BRPI0810083B1 - METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING WHERE A SOY PLANT OR SOY SEED SHOULD BE CULTIVATED BY IMPROVING THE SOY PLANT TO SELECT A SOY SEED, DISTRIBUTION OF A SOY PLANT TO INSULATE PRECEDURE AND PREDERMINED SATURE SEED SEEDS Determine If a Soybean Plant Has a Maturity Group - Google Patents

Description

(54) Title: METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING WHERE A SOYBEAN OR SOYBEAN PLANT SHOULD BE CULTIVATED, TO IMPROVE SOYBEAN PLANT, TO SELECT A SOYBEAN SEED, TO DISTRIBUTE A SOYBEAN PLANT, TO ISOLATE MATURITY SOY SEEDS EARLY INDETERMINATE, AND TO DETERMINE IF A SOYBEAN PLANT HAS A MATURITY GROUP (51) Int.CI .: C12Q 1/68; A01H 5/10 (30) Unionist Priority: 3/28/2007 US 60 / 920,531, 10/31/2007 US 61 / 001,049 (73) Holder (s): MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC (72) Inventor (s): JONATHAN JENKINSON ; JOHN TAMULONIS; JAMES NARVEL; KENNETH GRUYS; HENRY E. VALENTIN

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Invention Patent Descriptive Report for METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING WHERE A SOYBEAN OR SOYBEAN PLANT SHOULD BE GROWN, TO IMPROVE SOYBEAN PLANT, TO SELECT A SOYBEAN, TO DISTRIBUTE A SOYBEAN PLANT, TO ISOLATE SOYBEAN SEEDS OF INDETERMINATED EARLY MATURITY, AND TO DETERMINE IF A SOYBEAN PLANT HAS A MATURITY GROUP.

Cross Reference to Order Related Patent [001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119 (e) of Patent Provisional US No 60 / 920,531, filed on March 28 , 2007 and 61 / 001,049, filed on October 31, 2007. The entirety of each of these patent applications is incorporated into this application by reference.

Incorporation of the Sequence List [002] Two copies of the Sequence List and a computer-readable form of the sequence listing on CD-ROM, each containing the file called SequenceList.txt.txt, which is 140,000 bytes in size (measured in MS- Windows) are hereby deposited and incorporated into this order by reference. A paper copy of the Sequence Listing and a computer-readable form of the sequence listing on floppy disk, containing the file named pa_seq_54590.txt which is 143,360 bytes in size (measured on MS-Windows) and which was registered on March 14 2007 and deposited in US Patent application No. 60 / 920,531, are incorporated in this application by reference.

Field of Invention [003] The invention includes methods and compositions of genomic regions for classification and selection of plants and seeds of the genus Glycine associated with maturity and growth habit of

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2/114 soybean plant. The invention also includes methods and compositions for classifying plants and seeds of the genus Glycine with markers associated with genomic regions that are related to plant maturity and plant growth habit of Glycine plants. Background of the Invention [004] Soy, Soy (L). Merrill, is an important economic crop in the world and is a primary source of oil and vegetable protein (Sinclair and Backman, Compendium of Soybean Diseases, 3 ^rd Ed. APS Press, St. Paul, MN, p. 106. (1989) ). The growing demand for low cholesterol and high fiber diets has also increased the importance of soy as a healthy food.

[005] Soy varieties grown in the United States have a narrow genetic base. Six introductions, ‘Mandarin’, ‘Manchu’, ‘Mandarin’ (Ottawa), ‘Richland’, ‘AK’ (Harrow) and ‘Mukden’ contributed almost 70% of the germplasm represented in 136 cultivar releases. The genetic basis of cultivated soybeans can be expanded through the use of exotic species. In addition, exotic species may have such key traits as resistance to disease and stress. At the moment, the traces of many exotic species are inaccessible in part due to the limitations of crossing soybean plants from extremely different maturity groups. Most soybean variety development crosses are made between parents at 10 days of maturity for each. If the parents are very different in maturity, the progeny plants segregate widely for maturity. In order for breeders to obtain and select soy plants from the desired maturity group, they must produce and maintain a large number of progeny plants, a practice which is prohibitive.

[006] Maturity and plant yield are closely associated with soy. A one-day increase in maturity can be equiPetition 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 12/152

3/114 brave to ~ 0.77 bag / ha of increase in yield. Conversely, a reduction in maturity is often penalized with a reduction of ~ 0.77 bag / ha in yield. The correlation of maturity and plant yield confuses the assessment of loci of potential quantitative characters (QTLs) and candidate genes associated with yield. The ability to genetically establish maturity in a soybean plant would be useful and assist in elucidating traits associated with yield.

[007] Soy plants are short-day plants, so flowering starts in short days due to a reduction in the photoperiod (Garner & Allard, J. Agric. Res. 18, 553-606 (1920)). Consequently, the photoperiod (length of day) and response of the soybean plant to temperature determines areas of plant adaptation. Due to their sensitivity to the photoperiod, soybean genotypes are often grown in narrow latitude zones to optimize yield. Northern soybean varieties, in contrast to southern varieties, start flowering with longer days. Northern varieties planted south of their adaptation zone exhibit accelerated flowering, plant growth and reduced yield. Southern soybean varieties planted north of their adaptation zone will have delayed flowering with a potential for frost damage that can reduce yield.

[008] Soybean plant varieties are classified based on adaptation bands that are determined by length of day and latitude. In North America, soybeans are categorized into 13 maturity groups with designations ranging from maturity groups 000, 00, 0, and I to X. The earliest maturity group, soybeans 000 are adapted to the north (latitude 45 °), while soybeans of the posterior maturity group X are adapted to regions close to the equator. Soy plants in groups of maturity 000 to IV have structure 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 13/152

4/114 undetermined plant texture, while soybean plants in groups of maturity V to X have a determined plant structure. Determined varieties stop vegetative growth after the main stem ends in a group of mature pods. Indeterminate varieties develop leaves and flowers simultaneously in all parts of a portion of their reproductive period, with one to three pods at the terminal apex. Early maturity varieties (000 to III) are adapted to northern latitudes with the designation of maturity increasing in southern latitudes. The maturity group is determined by the maturity date. Plants are considered mature when 95% of the pods have reached their mature color. The maturity date is typically described as a measurement of days after August 31 in the northern hemisphere.

[009] There is a need in the plant breeding technique to identify genomic regions associated with the maturity group of a soybean plant. At this time, soybean breeders are limited to crossbreeding plants within similar maturity groups. In addition, several traits, such as oil levels, are influenced by the latitude and region of maturity growth. Therefore, there is a need for a quick, cost-efficient method to pre-select the soybean plant maturity group. The present invention includes a method for classifying and selecting a soybean plant for preferred plant maturity using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technology.

Brief Description of Figures [0010] Figure 1: Influence of the maturity group on the percentage of oil in commercial soybeans.

[0011] Figure 2: Correlation of levels of stearidonic acid (SDA) and GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and latitude for mature soybean seeds. The soy plants are transgenic and designed for the purpose of PROPETITION 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 14/152

5/114 to produce SDA and GLA.

[0012] Figure 3: Correlation of levels of stearidonic acid (SDA) and latitude of mature soybean seeds in three tests. The soybean plants are transgenic and designed to produce SDA.

Summary of the Invention [0013] The present invention includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed must be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 1 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 3 are homozygous or heterozygous; determination of the allele combination of the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3; and assigning a maturity group value to the soybean plant or soybean seed.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed must be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 1 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 3 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 are homozygous or heterozygous; determination of the allele combination of the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2, 3 and 4; and assigning a maturity group value to the plant

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6/114 soybean or soybean seed.

[0015] The present invention also includes a method of providing information on the maturity of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from the soybean seed or soybean plant and by determining the allelic profile at a locus in the genomic region 4.

[0016] The present invention also includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed must be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed. Soy; determining whether an allele at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 1 is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele at a locus in the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and determination of the allele combination of the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1,2 and 3.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed must be cultivated by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant by obtaining DNA from a soybean or soybean plant; determining whether an allele at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 1 is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous; determination of the allele combination of alleles in maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions; and assigning a maturity growth value to the soybean plant or soybean seed.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, a method of improving the soybean plant includes crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of

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7/114 soybean plant from crossing; non-destructive genotyping of the progeny of a soybean plant or soybean seed of crossing with a genetic marker characterizing a genomic region of maturity; and selection of a soybean plant having a genotype of a desired maturity group.

[0019] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of selecting a soybean plant for improving germplasm by determining a maturity group by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; non-destructive genotyping of a progeny of the soybean plant or soybean of the crossing with a genetic marker characterizing a genomic region of maturity; and selecting a soybean plant that has a genotype for a desired maturity group; and incorporation of the selected soybean plant in a selected use for any use of the soybean plant for breeding, reproduction of the soybean plant by self-fertilization, trait integration, use of soybean plant or parts of it for transformation and use of soybean plants or parts of them for mutagenesis.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of co-selecting a soybean plant for expression of a phenotypic trait of non-maturity and a trait of maturity by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; non-destructive genotyping of a progeny of the soybean plant or soybean of the crossing with a genetic marker characterizing a genomic region of maturity; and selecting a soybean plant having a genotype for a desired maturity group; and determination of the desired geography for the growth of the soybean plant progeny and a method for determining the non-maturity phenotype.

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8/114 [0021] In one aspect, the present invention includes a method of improving the soybean plant by analyzing a soybean plant for the presence of marker sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213; and association of the soybean plant with a maturity group.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention includes a soybean breeding method comprising crossing a parent soybean plant having a desired trait with a second parent soybean plant, in which the parent soybean plants differ in maturity the soy plant for more than 5 days, more than 10 days, 10 days to 20 days or 10 days to 30 days, by crossing a parental soy plant comprising a desired trait with a second parental soy plant; obtaining the progeny of the soybean seed from the crossing; classification of a soybean seed progeny for the trait; sorting a soybean seed progeny to a desired maturity group using a marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 to determine the desired geographic growth region; and selecting a soybean seed progeny containing the desired trait and maturity of the desired soybean plant.

[0023] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of improving the soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, wherein the parental soybean plants differ in maturity of the soybean plant for more than 5 days, more than 10 days, 10 days to 20 days, or 10 days to 30 days; obtaining a soybean seed progeny from crossing; genotyping of a soybean seed progeny from crossing with a genetic marker; and selection of a soybean seed having a genotype for preferential maturity.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of

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9/114 selection of soybean seeds based on the maturity group of the soybean plant by obtaining DNA from a soybean seed; determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele in the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele in the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and assigning a maturity growth value to the soybean seed.

[0025] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of selecting a soybean seed based on the habit of indeterminate or determined growth comprising determining whether the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of distributing a soybean plant based on the maturity group by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant; determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele in the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele in the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and assigning a maturity growth value to the soybean plant; and transporting the soy plant to a preferred geographic region.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method for isolating soybean seeds of undetermined-early maturity by obtaining DNA from the soybean seed using a non-destructive method; determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and determining whether an allele in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous.

[0028] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of determining whether a soybean seed will become a soybean plant that has a maturity group of III to VI by determining a marPetição 870170047791, 07/07/2017, pg. 19/152

10/114 homozygous or heterozygous marker in the soybean seed using a marker with the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 151. [0029] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of determining whether a soybean seed will become a soybeans having a maturity group between 0.0 to III.0 comprising determining whether an 11 base pair insert in the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 149 exists in the soybean seed.

[0030] One aspect of the present invention includes a method for determining whether a soybean plant has a maturity group of 0.0 to III.9 by determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele in the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and assigning a soybean plant maturity group value between 0.0 and III.9.

[0031] One aspect of the present invention is a method of introgressing an allele in a soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; classification of the progeny of the soybean plant from the crossing of the allele; obtaining DNA from a soybean seed from the progeny of the soybean plant using a non-destructive method; and selecting a soybean seed, wherein the soybean seed comprises the allele and a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213.

[0032] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of introducing a desired trait into a soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, wherein at least one parental soybean plant has a desired trait; obtaining a soybean seed progeny from crossing; obtaining DNA from a soybean seed of the plant progeny

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11/114 soy using a non-destructive method; analysis of the progeny of the soybean seed of the crossing for evidence of the desired trait; and selection of the soybean seed with the desired trait and a desired maturity group. In a preferred aspect, the desired trait is transgenic. [0033] An additional aspect of the present invention includes a method of introgressing an allele in a soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; obtaining DNA from a soybean seed from the progeny of the soybean plant using a non-destructive method; and selecting a soybean seed with the allele and a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 174.

[0034] A method of improving the soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, in which the parental soybean plants differ in maturity of the soybean plant for more than 10 days; obtaining soybean seed progeny from crossing; genotyping of the progeny of the soybean seed of the crossing with a genetic marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213; and selecting a soybean seed with a desired maturity group.

[0035] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 4 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 175 to 180. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 5 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 181 to 189. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 6 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 190 to 196. Another aspect of prePetition 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 21/152

12/114 This invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 7 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NOs: 197 to 203. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 8 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 204 to 213.

[0036] A further aspect of the present invention includes a soybean plant comprising in its genome an intrograde haplotype associated with maturity, in which introgression is facilitated by at least one of the markers of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213.

Brief Description of Nucleic Acid Sequences [0037] SEQ ID NO: 1 is a PCR sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 143.

[0038] SEQ ID NO: 2 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 143.

[0039] SEQ ID NO: 3 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 144.

[0040] SEQ ID NO: 4 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 144.

[0041] SEQ ID NO: 5 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 145.

[0042] SEQ ID NO: 6 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 145.

[0043] SEQ ID NO: 7 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 146.

[0044] SEQ ID NO: 8 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 146.

[0045] SEQ ID NO: 9 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 147.

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13/114 [0046] SEQ ID NO: 10 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 147.

[0047] SEQ ID NO: 11 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 148.

[0048] SEQ ID NO: 12 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 148.

[0049] SEQ ID NO: 13 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 149.

[0050] SEQ ID NO: 14 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 149.

[0051] SEQ ID NO: 15 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 150.

[0052] SEQ ID NO: 16 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 150.

[0053] SEQ ID NO: 17 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 151.

[0054] SEQ ID NO: 18 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 151.

[0055] SEQ ID NO: 19 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 152.

[0056] SEQ ID NO: 20 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 152.

[0057] SEQ ID NO: 21 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 153.

[0058] SEQ ID NO: 22 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 153.

[0059] SEQ ID NO: 23 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 154.

[0060] SEQ ID NO: 24 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 154.

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14/114 [0061] SEQ ID NO: 25 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 155.

[0062] SEQ ID NO: 26 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 155.

[0063] SEQ ID NO: 27 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 156.

[0064] SEQ ID NO: 28 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 156.

[0065] SEQ ID NO: 29 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 157.

[0066] SEQ ID NO: 30 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 157.

[0067] SEQ ID NO: 31 is a PCR forward primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 158.

[0068] SEQ ID NO: 32 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 158.

[0069] SEQ ID NO: 33 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 159.

[0070] SEQ ID NO: 34 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 159.

[0071] SEQ ID NO: 35 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 160.

[0072] SEQ ID NO: 36 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 160.

[0073] SEQ ID NO: 37 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 161.

[0074] SEQ ID NO: 38 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 161.

[0075] SEQ ID NO: 39 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 162.

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15/114 [0076] SEQ ID NO: 40 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 162.

[0077] SEQ ID NO: 41 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 163.

[0078] SEQ ID NO: 42 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 163.

[0079] SEQ ID NO: 43 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 164.

[0080] SEQ ID NO: 44 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 164.

[0081] SEQ ID NO: 45 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 165.

[0082] SEQ ID NO: 46 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 165.

[0083] SEQ ID NO: 47 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 166.

[0084] SEQ ID NO: 48 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 166.

[0085] SEQ ID NO: 49 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 167.

[0086] SEQ ID NO: 50 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 167.

[0087] SEQ ID NO: 51 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 168.

[0088] SEQ ID NO: 52 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 168.

[0089] SEQ ID NO: 53 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 169.

[0090] SEQ ID NO: 54 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 169.

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16/114 [0091] SEQ ID NO: 55 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 170.

[0092] SEQ ID NO: 56 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 170.

[0093] SEQ ID NO: 57 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 171.

[0094] SEQ ID NO: 58 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 171.

[0095] SEQ ID NO: 59 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 172.

[0096] SEQ ID NO: 60 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 172.

[0097] SEQ ID NO: 61 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 173.

[0098] SEQ ID NO: 62 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 173.

[0099] SEQ ID NO: 63 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 174.

[00100] SEQ ID NO: 64 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 174.

[00101] SEQ ID NO: 65 is a PCR sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 175.

[00102] SEQ ID NO: 66 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 175.

[00103] SEQ ID NO: 67 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 176.

[00104] SEQ ID NO: 68 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 176.

[00105] SEQ ID NO: 69 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 177.

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17/114 [00106] SEQ ID NO: 70 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 177.

[00107] SEQ ID NO: 71 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 178.

[00108] SEQ ID NO: 72 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 178.

[00109] SEQ ID NO: 73 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 179.

[00110] SEQ ID NO: 74 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 179.

[00111] SEQ ID NO: 75 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 180.

[00112] SEQ ID NO: 76 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 180.

[00113] SEQ ID NO: 77 is a PCR sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 181.

[00114] SEQ ID NO: 78 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 181.

[00115] SEQ ID NO: 79 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 182.

[00116] SEQ ID NO: 80 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 182.

[00117] SEQ ID NO: 81 is a PCR sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 183.

[00118] SEQ ID NO: 82 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 183.

[00119] SEQ ID NO: 83 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 184.

[00120] SEQ ID NO: 84 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 184.

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18/114 [00121] SEQ ID NO: 85 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 185.

[00122] SEQ ID NO: 86 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 185.

[00123] SEQ ID NO: 87 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 186.

[00124] SEQ ID NO: 88 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 186.

[00125] SEQ ID NO: 89 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 187.

[00126] SEQ ID NO: 90 is a PCR antisense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 187.

[00127] SEQ ID NO: 91 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 188.

[00128] SEQ ID NO: 92 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 188.

[00129] SEQ ID NO: 93 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 189.

[00130] SEQ ID NO: 94 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 189.

[00131] SEQ ID NO: 95 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 190.

[00132] SEQ ID NO: 96 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 190.

[00133] SEQ ID NO: 97 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 191.

[00134] SEQ ID NO: 98 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 191.

[00135] SEQ ID NO: 99 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 192.

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19/114 [00136] SEQ ID NO: 100 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 192.

[00137] SEQ ID NO: 101 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 193.

[00138] SEQ ID NO: 102 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 193.

[00139] SEQ ID NO: 103 is a PCR sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 194.

[00140] SEQ ID NO: 104 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 194.

[00141] SEQ ID NO: 105 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 195.

[00142] SEQ ID NO: 106 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 195.

[00143] SEQ ID NO: 107 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 196.

[00144] SEQ ID NO: 108 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 196.

[00145] SEQ ID NO: 109 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 197.

[00146] SEQ ID NO: 110 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 197.

[00147] SEQ ID NO: 111 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 198.

[00148] SEQ ID NO: 112 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 198.

[00149] SEQ ID NO: 113 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 199.

[00150] SEQ ID NO: 114 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 199.

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20/114 [00151] SEQ ID NO: 115 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 200.

[00152] SEQ ID NO: 116 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 200.

[00153] SEQ ID NO: 117 is a PCR forward sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 201.

[00154] SEQ ID NO: 118 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 201.

[00155] SEQ ID NO: 119 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 202.

[00156] SEQ ID NO: 120 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 202.

[00157] SEQ ID NO: 121 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 203.

[00158] SEQ ID NO: 122 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 203.

[00159] SEQ ID NO: 123 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 204.

[00160] SEQ ID NO: 124 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 204.

[00161] SEQ ID NO: 125 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 205.

[00162] SEQ ID NO: 126 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 205.

[00163] SEQ ID NO: 127 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 206.

[00164] SEQ ID NO: 128 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 206.

[00165] SEQ ID NO: 129 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 207.

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21/114 [00166] SEQ ID NO: 130 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 207.

[00167] SEQ ID NO: 131 is a PCR sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 208.

[00168] SEQ ID NO: 132 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 208.

[00169] SEQ ID NO: 133 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 209.

[00170] SEQ ID NO: 134 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 209.

[00171] SEQ ID NO: 135 is a PCR sense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 210.

[00172] SEQ ID NO: 136 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 210.

[00173] SEQ ID NO: 137 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 211.

[00174] SEQ ID NO: 138 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 211.

[00175] SEQ ID NO: 139 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 212.

[00176] SEQ ID NO: 140 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 212.

[00177] SEQ ID NO: 141 is a PCR forward sense primer for the amplification of SEQ ID NO: 213.

[00178] SEQ ID NO: 142 is a PCR antisense primer for amplification of SEQ ID NO: 213.

[00179] SEQ ID NO: 143 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00180] SEQ ID NO: 144 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 31/152

22/114 [00181] SEQ ID NO: 145 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to maturity 1 locus.

[00182] SEQ ID NO: 146 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00183] SEQ ID NO: 147 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00184] SEQ ID NO: 148 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00185] SEQ ID NO: 149 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00186] SEQ ID NO: 150 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00187] SEQ ID NO: 151 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00188] SEQ ID NO: 152 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00189] SEQ ID NO: 153 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00190] SEQ ID NO: 154 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00191] SEQ ID NO: 155 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 1.

[00192] SEQ ID NO: 156 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 2.

[00193] SEQ ID NO: 157 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity 2 locus.

[00194] SEQ ID NO: 158 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 2.

[00195] SEQ ID NO: 159 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity 2 locus.

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 32/152

23/114 [00196] SEQ ID NO: 160 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity 2 locus.

[00197] SEQ ID NO: 161 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 2.

[00198] SEQ ID NO: 162 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00199] SEQ ID NO: 163 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00200] SEQ ID NO: 164 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00201] SEQ ID NO: 165 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00202] SEQ ID NO: 166 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00203] SEQ ID NO: 167 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00204] SEQ ID NO: 168 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00205] SEQ ID NO: 169 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00206] SEQ ID NO: 170 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00207] SEQ ID NO: 171 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00208] SEQ ID NO: 172 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00209] SEQ ID NO: 173 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

[00210] SEQ ID NO: 174 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 3.

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 33/152

24/114 [00211] SEQ ID NO: 175 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 4.

[00212] SEQ ID NO: 176 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 4.

[00213] SEQ ID NO: 177 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 4.

[00214] SEQ ID NO: 178 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 4.

[00215] SEQ ID NO: 179 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 4.

[00216] SEQ ID NO: 180 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 4.

[00217] SEQ ID NO: 181 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00218] SEQ ID NO: 182 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00219] SEQ ID NO: 183 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00220] SEQ ID NO: 184 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00221] SEQ ID NO: 185 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00222] SEQ ID NO: 186 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00223] SEQ ID NO: 187 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00224] SEQ ID NO: 188 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

[00225] SEQ ID NO: 189 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 5.

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 34/152

25/114 [00226] SEQ ID NO: 190 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00227] SEQ ID NO: 191 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00228] SEQ ID NO: 192 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00229] SEQ ID NO: 193 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00230] SEQ ID NO: 194 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00231] SEQ ID NO: 195 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00232] SEQ ID NO: 196 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the locus of maturity 6.

[00233] SEQ ID NO: 197 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00234] SEQ ID NO: 198 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00235] SEQ ID NO: 199 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00236] SEQ ID NO: 200 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00237] SEQ ID NO: 201 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00238] SEQ ID NO: 202 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00239] SEQ ID NO: 203 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 7.

[00240] SEQ ID NO: 204 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 35/152

26/114 [00241] SEQ ID NO: 205 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00242] SEQ ID NO: 206 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00243] SEQ ID NO: 207 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00244] SEQ ID NO: 208 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00245] SEQ ID NO: 209 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00246] SEQ ID NO: 210 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00247] SEQ ID NO: 211 is a genomic sequence derived from Soy corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00248] SEQ ID NO: 212 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00249] SEQ ID NO: 213 is a genomic sequence derived from soybean corresponding to the maturity locus 8.

[00250] SEQ ID NO: 214 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of SEQ ID NO: 143.

[00251] SEQ ID NO: 215 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of SEQ ID NO: 143.

[00252] SEQ ID NO: 216 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of SEQ ID NO: 144.

[00253] SEQ ID NO: 217 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of SEQ ID NO: 144.

[00254] SEQ ID NO: 218 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of

SEQ ID NO: 145.

[00255] SEQ ID NO: 219 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of

SEQ ID NO: 145.

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 36/152

27/114 [00256] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 146. [00257] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 146. [00258] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 147. [00259] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 147 [00260] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 148. [00261] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 148. [00262] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 149. [00263] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 149. [ 00264] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 150. [00265] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 150. [00266] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 151. [00267] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 151. [00268] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 152. [00269] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 152. [00270] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 153.

220 is a probe for the

221 is a probe for the

222 is a probe for the

223 is a probe for the

224 is a probe for the

225 is a probe for the

226 is a probe for the

227 is a probe for the

228 is a probe for the

229 is a probe for the

230 is a probe for the

231 is a probe for the

232 is a probe for the

233 is a probe for the

234 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 37/152

28/114 [00271] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 153. [00272] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 154. [00273] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 154. [00274] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 155 [00275] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 155. [00276] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 156. [00277] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 156. [00278] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 157. [ 00279] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 157. [00280] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 158. [00281] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 158. [00282] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 159. [00283] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 159. [00284] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 160. [00285] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 160.

235 is a probe for the

236 is a probe for

237 is a probe for the

238 is a probe for the

239 is a probe for the

240 is a probe for the

241 is a probe for the

242 is a probe for the

243 is a probe for the

244 is a probe for the

245 is a probe for the

246 is a probe for the

247 is a probe for the

248 is a probe for the

249 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 38/152

29/114 [00286] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 161. [00287] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 161. [00288] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 162. [00289] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 162 [00290] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 163. [00291] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 163. [00292] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 164. [00293] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 164. [ 00294] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 165. [00295] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 165. [00296] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 166. [00297] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 166. [00298] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 167. [00299] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 167. [00300] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 168.

250 is a probe for the

251 is a probe for the

252 is a probe for the

253 is a probe for the

254 is a probe for the

255 is a probe for the

256 is a probe for the

257 is a probe for the

258 is a probe for the

259 is a probe for the

260 is a probe for the

261 is a probe for the

262 is a probe for the

263 is a probe for the

264 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 39/152

30/114 [00301] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 168. [00302] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 169. [00303] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 169. [00304] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 170 [00305] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 170. [00306] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 171. [00307] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 171. [00308] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 172. [ 00309] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 172. [00310] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 173. [00311] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 173. [00312] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 174. [00313] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 174. [00314] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 175. [00315] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 175.

265 is a probe for the

266 is a probe for the

267 is a probe for the

268 is a probe for the

269 is a probe for the

270 is a probe for the

271 is a probe for the

272 is a probe for the

273 is a probe for the

274 is a probe for the

275 is a probe for the

276 is a probe for the

277 is a probe for the

278 is a probe for the

279 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 40/152

31/114 [00316] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 176. [00317] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 176. [00318] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 177. [00319] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 177 [00320] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 178. [00321] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 178. [00322] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 179. [00323] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 179. [ 00324] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 180. [00325] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 180. [00326] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 181. [00327] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 181. [00328] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 182. [00329] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 182. [00330] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 183.

280 is a probe for the

281 is a probe for the

282 is a probe for the

283 is a probe for the

284 is a probe for the

285 is a probe for the

286 is a probe for the

287 is a probe for the

288 is a probe for the

289 is a probe for the

290 is a probe for the

291 is a probe for the

292 is a probe for the

293 is a probe for the

294 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 41/152

32/114 [00331] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 183. [00332] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 184. [00333] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 184. [00334] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 185 [00335] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 185. [00336] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 186. [00337] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 186. [00338] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 187. [ 00339] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 187. [00340] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 188. [00341] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 188. [00342] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 189. [00343] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 189. [00344] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 190. [00345] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 190.

295 is a probe for the

296 is a probe for the

297 is a probe for the

298 is a probe for the

299 is a probe for the

300 is a probe for the

301 is a probe for the

302 is a probe for the

303 is a probe for the

304 is a probe for the

305 is a probe for the

306 is a probe for

307 is a probe for the

308 is a probe for the

309 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 42/152

33/114 [00346] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 191. [00347] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 191. [00348] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 192. [00349] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 192 [00350] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 193. [00351] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 193. [00352] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 194. [00353] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 194. [ 00354] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 195. [00355] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 195. [00356] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 196. [00357] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 196. [00358] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 197. [00359] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 197. [00360] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 198.

310 is a probe for the

311 is a probe for the

312 is a probe for the

313 is a probe for the

314 is a probe for the

315 is a probe for the

316 is a probe for the

317 is a probe for the

318 is a probe for the

319 is a probe for the

320 is a probe for the

321 is a probe for the

322 is a probe for the

323 is a probe for the

324 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 43/152

34/114 [00361] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 198. [00362] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 199. [00363] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 199. [00364] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 200 [00365] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 200. [00366] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 201. [00367] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 201. [00368] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 202. [ 00369] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 202. [00370] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 203. [00371] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 203. [00372] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 204. [00373] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 204. [00374] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 205. [00375] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 205.

325 is a probe for the

326 is a probe for the

327 is a probe for the

328 is a probe for the

329 is a probe for the

330 is a probe for the

331 is a probe for the

332 is a probe for the

333 is a probe for the

334 is a probe for the

335 is a probe for the

336 is a probe for the

337 is a probe for the

338 is a probe for the

339 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 44/152

35/114 [00376] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 206. [00377] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 206. [00378] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 207. [00379] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 207 . [00380] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 208. [00381] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 208. [00382] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 209. [00383] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 209. [ 00384] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 210. [00385] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 210. [00386] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 211. [00387] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 211. [00388] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 212. [00389] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 212. [00390] SEQ ID NO SEQ ID NO: 213.

340 is a probe for the

341 is a probe for the

342 is a probe for the

343 is a probe for the

344 is a probe for the

345 is a probe for the

346 is a probe for the

347 is a probe for the

348 is a probe for the

349 is a probe for the

350 is a probe for the

351 is a probe for the

352 is a probe for

353 is a probe for the

354 is a probe for SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection SNP detection

Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 45/152

36/114 [00391] SEQ ID NO: 355 is a probe for the detection of the SNP of SEQ ID NO: 213.

Definitions [00392] A maturity group value can be any indicative number, symbol, or combination of both that provide an indication of when a plant will mature. A dominant maturity allele is an allele that, when present in a single copy (heterozygous) or in two copies (homozygous), affects the plant's maturity.

[00393] A recessive maturity allele is an allele that, when present in a copy (heterozygous), does not affect the maturity of a plant.

[00394] As used in this application, the determined growth habit refers to the cessation of vegetative growth after the main trunk ends in a group of mature pods.

[00395] As used in this application, the habit of indeterminate growth refers to the development of leaves and flowers simultaneously in all parts of a portion of their reproductive period, with one to three pods at the terminal apex.

[00396] As used in this application, an allelic combination is the combination of alleles present in more than one characterized position or loci. An example of an allelic combination is the allelic combination 10, which is homozygous dominant in the genomic region of maturity 1; recessive homozygote in the genomic region of maturity 2; and dominant homozygote in the mature genomic region 3.

[00397] As used in this application, lineage refers to a group of individual plants of similar ancestry with similar traits. An elite strain is any strain that has resulted from breeding and selection for superior agronomic performance. In addition, an elite line is sufficiently homogeneous and

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37/114 homozygous to be used for commercial production. Elite lines can be used in further breeding efforts to develop new elite lines. An elite plant is any plant of an elite lineage.

[00398] As used in this application, a trait refers to an observable and / or measurable characteristic of an organism, such as a trait of a plant, for example, tolerance to a herbicide, insect and microbe. A trait can be conventional and transgenic. Non-limiting examples of traits include herbicide tolerance, increased yield, insect control, resistance to fungal disease, resistance to virus, resistance to nematode, resistance to bacterial disease, resistance to mycoplasma disease, altered oil production, high production oil, high protein production, germination and seedling growth control, potentiated animal and human nutrition, low raffinose, resistant to environmental stress, increased digestibility, industrial enzymes, proteins, peptides and small pharmaceutical molecules, improved processing traits, flavor improved, nitrogen fixation, hybrid seed production, reduced allergenicity, biopolymers, and biofuels.

[00399] As used in this application, a transgene refers to a foreign gene that is placed in an organism by the process of plant transformation. In certain aspects, a soybean plant provided by the invention may comprise one or more transgene (s). [00400] As used in this application, altered means increased or decreased maturity. In this respect, a mature seed as defined by a seed that is harvested in the field of commercial agricultural practices, such as sale for feed. In one aspect, soybean plants are selected for preferred geography to express at least one phenotypic trait. The phenotypic trait includes altered levels of a substance or molecule, such as proteins, oils

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38/114 or gamma-linolenic acid. Changed may include any increase or decrease relating to the function or production of a gene product of interest, in one aspect and including complete elimination of the function or production of that gene product. When the levels of a gene product are compared, such a comparison is preferably made between organisms with a similar genetic background. Preferably, a similar genetic context is a context where the organisms being compared share 50% or more, more preferably 75% or more, and even more preferably 90% or even greater sequence identity of the nuclear genetic material. In another aspect, a similar genetic context is a context where the plants are isogenic except for one or more markers of the present invention.

[00401] As used in this application, a cultivar is a breed or variety of a plant that was intentionally created or selected and maintained through cultivation.

[00402] As used in this application, the term tissue culture indicates a composition comprising cells isolated from the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized in parts of a plant.

Detailed Description of the Invention [00403] Determination of the maturity group value of a soybean plant or seed is important in the selection where a soybean plant is to be grown. One aspect of the present invention provides a method of establishment where a plant or seed is to be grown. A suitable region of a soybean plant or seed can be established. Establishing a region may include selecting a belt region of adequate maturity. Maturity belts vary in the United States from 000 in the far north of the United States to VIII in the southern states of the Gulf Coast. THE

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The present invention can also be used to determine other belts of maturity including IX and X. The present invention can also be used to determine whether a plant is suitable for one, two or more belts or regions of maturity.

[00404] A suitable geographical region can be selected using a method of the present invention. In addition to maturity belts, other geographic regions that can be selected include maturity group 0 regions, such as and without restriction, West Maine, North Dakota, Central Montana, Northwest Oregon; maturity group 1 regions, such as and without restriction, northern Wisconsin, South Dakota; maturity group 2 regions, such as and without restriction, Vermont, southern Massachusetts, northern Connecticut, New York, Central Florida, Michigan, northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Central California; maturity group 3 regions, such as and without restriction, Western New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, southern Illinois, northern Missouri, Kansas, southeast Wyoming, Colorado; maturity group 4 regions, such as and without restriction, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Kentucky, West and West Virginia, Central Missouri, Texas, Western Oklahoma; maturity group 5 regions, such as and without restriction, Central Virginia, North Carolina, Central and Western North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee; maturity group 6 regions, such as and without restriction, North Carolina, East South Carolina; and maturity group 7 regions, such as and without restriction, Georgia and Alabama. In another aspect, a seed of the present invention can be sent to a geographical region that is desirable to optimize a trait, such as yield.

[00405] The present invention also provides methods for selecting a suitable geographical region and methods for determining the maturity group of a soybean plant or seed by analyzing

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40/114 genotypic. One aspect of the present invention includes a method of establishment where a soy plant must be grown by obtaining DNA from the soy plant; and determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous using the SEQ ID NO: 151 marker.

[00406] The present invention allows the determination of allelic combinations. Allele combinations can be any combination of alleles. In one aspect, it may be a combination of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 pairs of alleles that occupy a genetic locus. In another aspect, the alleles can be located in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 or more genomic regions of maturity. Such regions of maturity can be selected from the genomic region of maturity 1, the genomic region of maturity 2, the genomic region of maturity 3, the genomic region of maturity 4, the genomic region of maturity 5, the genomic region of maturity 6, the genomic region of maturity 7 or genomic region of maturity 8, etc.

[00407] Alleles in any combination of regions of maturity can be determined individually or in combination. An illustrative combination is a combination of more than one pair of alleles in regions of maturity 1, 2, and 3. Another illustrative combination is a combination of more than one pair of alleles in regions of maturity 1 and 2. Allele combinations whose purpose is to include , without restriction, any dominant homozygote, recessive homozygote and alternative heterozygotes at a particular locus.

[00408] Determination of an allele or combination of alleles at a locus or loci can be performed by any appropriate methodology. In one aspect, several assays can be used, such as a Taq-Man® assay, Real-Time PCR and nucleic acid sequencing and single sequence repeat mapping, to detect the genotype. In one aspect of the present invention, inPetição assay 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 50/152

41/114 includes a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Nucleic acids include deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) and ribonucleic acids (RNA) and functionally equivalent analogs thereof. [00409] Nucleic acids for use in the present invention can be obtained from a plant, such as from a part of the plant that includes a leaf, vascular tissue, flower, pod, seed, root, trunk or any portion.

[00410] In one aspect, nucleic acids are obtained from a part of the plant or plant using a non-destructive method. In one respect, the plant part is a seed. In one aspect, nucleic acids are obtained from a seed in a non-destructive manner, which provides a seed that is viable. For example, DNA can be obtained from a seed by breaking the seed with a sharp knife in the most distant part of the 'eye' or by carefully piercing with a needle to pierce the seed. Either method will obtain DNA for analysis or allow in situ analysis of DNA that can be used to provide that plant or part of the plant that retains the ability to grow. If DNA is taken from a seed and the seed is still viable, the method can be considered non-destructive. Exemplary methods for sampling seeds without affecting the germination viability of seeds are detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 20060042527A1, hereby incorporated by reference. In one aspect, seeds are chosen by feeding the seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a seed sample from the sampling station, transporting the sample to a compartment in a sampling tray and transporting the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray.

[00411] In one aspect, the genomic region of maturity associated with plant maturity and plant growth habit of prePetition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 51/152

42/114 feels invention is introduced or selected from the genus Glycine. The genus Glycine includes wild perennial soybeans and has a wide array of genetic diversity. For example, cultivated soy (Soy (L.) Merr.) And its annual wild parent (Glycine soy (Sieb. And Zucc.)) Belong to the subgenus Soy, contain 2n = 40 chromosomes, are cross-compatible, normally produce vigorous fertile F ₁ hybrids, and carry similar genomes. Hybrids of cultivated Glycine species and wild perennial Glycine species have variable success between accessions.

[00412] The present invention further provides that the selected plant belongs to the group consisting of members of the genus Glycine, more specifically the group composed of Glycine arenaria, Glycine argyrea, Glycine canescens, Glycine clandestine, Glycine curvata, Glycine cyrtoloba, Glycine falcate, Glycine falcate latifolia, Glycine latrobeana, Soy, Glycine microphylla, Glycine pescadrensis, Glycine pindanica, Glycine rubiginosa, Glycine soy, Glycine sp., Glycine stenophita, Glycine tabacina and Glycine tomentella. In one aspect, the plant of the present invention is selected from an elite Soy strain.

[00413] The present invention also provides a soybean plant selected from a plant maturity desired by classification for a maturity marker on the soybean plant or seed, the selection comprising analysis of genomic nucleic acids for the presence of a marker molecule that it is genetically linked to a genomic region associated with a plant maturity in the soybean plant, where the genomic region is also located in a linkage group associated with a soybean plant of preferred plant maturity.

[00414] Methods of the present invention include determining whether a locus contains a polymorphism, or is homozygous or heterozygous in a region of maturity selected from the genomic region

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43/114 maturity 1, genomic region of maturity 2, genomic region of maturity 3, genomic region of maturity 4, genomic region of maturity 5, genomic region of maturity 6, genomic region of maturity 7 and / or genomic region of maturity 8 by detecting a polymorphism in a nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence or fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 174, or complements thereof. The present invention includes identification of alleles in eight regions of the maturity group. These regions are called genomic regions from maturity 1 to 8.

[00415] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the maturity 1 genomic region can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 or more genetic markers selected from the group consisting of NS0093385, NS0093976, NS0096829, NS0097798, NS0098982, NS00995929, NS0099746, NS0103749, NS0123747, NS0124601, NS0125408, NS0128378, and NS0135337. Region 1 SNP marker DNA sequences include those presented as SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 155 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 26 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 214 to SEQ ID NO: 239. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 1 is a region associated with SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 149, 154 to 155. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 1 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 149 or SEQ ID NO: 151 or both. In one aspect, maturity 1 genomic region can span 1 centiMorgan (cM), 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 149 or SEQ ID NO: 151.

[00416] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of determining whether a soybean seed will become a soybean plant that

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44/114 has a maturity group of III to VI by determining a homozygous or heterozygous marker in the soybean seed using a marker with the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 151. In a preferred aspect, the homozygous marker can be recessive or dominant. In another preferred aspect, the plant's maturity is delayed where the marker is homozygous dominant.

[00417] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of determining whether a soybean seed will become a soybean plant that has a maturity group between 0.0 to III.0 comprising determining whether an 11 base pair insertion in the acid sequence nucleic acids of SEQ ID NO: 149 exists in soybean seed. [00418] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the genomic region of maturity 2 can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 or more genetic markers including those selected from the group consisting of NS0118907, NS0122182, NS0126989, NS097952, NS0123506 and NS0095677. SNP marker DNA sequences for region 2 include those presented as SEQ ID NO: 156 to SEQ ID NO: 161 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 27 to SEQ ID NO: 38 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 240 to SEQ ID NO: 251. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 2 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 158. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 2 is a region associated with SEQ ID NOS : 156 to 161. In one aspect, genomic region of maturity 2 can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 158.

[00419] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the genomic region of maturity 3 can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 13 or more genetic markers including those selected Petition 870170047791, 07/07/2017, p. 54/152

45/114 from the group consisting of NS0098853, NS0092561, NS0093197, NS0094891, NS0096225, NS0103853, NSO113929, NS0115535, NS0121511, NS0136544, NS0119569, NS0123708 and NS0114317. SNP marker DNA sequences for region 3 including those presented as SEQ ID NO: 162 to SEQ ID NO: 174 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 39 to SEQ ID NO: 64 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 252 to SEQ ID NO: 277. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 3 is a region associated with SEQ ID NOS: 164, 167, 171 to 174. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 3 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 169. In one aspect, maturity 3 genomic region can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 169.

[00420] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the genomic region of maturity 4 can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 or more genetic markers including those selected from the group consisting of NS0092743, NS0098176, NS0100078, NS0137415, NS0095530 and NS0129004. SNP marker DNA sequences for region 4 are presented as SEQ ID NO: 175 to SEQ ID NO: 180 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 65 to SEQ ID NO: 76 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO : 278 to 289. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 4 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 178. In one aspect, a genomic region of maturity 4 can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 178. One aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 4 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 175 to 180. [00421] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and domiPetition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 55/152

46/114 nance or recessivity of the genomic region of maturity 5 can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 or more genetic markers including those selected from the group consisting of in NS0120015, NS0113878, NS0101863,

NS0115066, NS0123168, NS0119165, NS0123724, NS0103446 and NS0099024. SNP marker DNA sequences for region 5 including those presented as SEQ ID NO: 181 to SEQ ID NO: 189 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 77 to SEQ ID NO: 94 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 290 to SEQ ID NO: 307. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 5 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 187. In one aspect, a genomic region of maturity 5 can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM , 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 187. One aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 5 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of the SEQ ID NO: 181 to 189.

[00422] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the genomic region of maturity 6 can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 or more genetic markers including those selected from of the group consisting of NS0116125, NS0125770, NS0103755, NS0125713, NS0124590, NS0119281 and NS0102717. SNP marker DNA sequences for region 6 including those presented as SEQ ID NO: 190 to SEQ ID NO: 196 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 95 to SEQ ID NO: 108 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 308 to SEQ ID NO: 321. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 6 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 192. In one aspect, a genomic region of maturity 6 can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM , 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM of

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47/114 either side of SEQ ID NO: 192. One aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 6 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 190 to 196 .

[00423] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the maturity 7 genomic region can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 or more genetic markers including those selected from of the group consisting of NS0095211, NS0099531, NS0099417, NS0097307, NS0103004, NS0102630 and NS0102915. SNP DNA sequences for region 7 including those presented as SEQ ID NO: 197 to SEQ ID NO: 203 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as SEQ ID NO: 109 to SEQ ID NO: 122 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO : 322 to SEQ ID NO: 335. In another aspect, a maturity 7 genomic region is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 202. In one aspect, a maturity 7 genomic region can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 202. One aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the maturity 7 genomic region by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of the SEQs ID NO: 197 to 203.

[00424] The state of homozygosity or heterozygosity and dominance or recessivity of the mature genomic region 8 can be monitored by analyzing an allele of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 or more markers genetic factors including those selected from the group consisting of N0102362, NS0100652, NS0117716,

NS0119574, NS0127728, NS0099639, NS0103255, NS0119106,

NS0101020 and NS0101779. SNP DNA sequences from region 8 including those presented as SEQ ID NO: 204 to SEQ ID NO:

213 and can be amplified using the primers indicated as

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48/114

SEQ ID NO: 123 to SEQ ID NO: 142 with probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 336 to SEQ ID NO: 355. In another aspect, a genomic region of maturity 8 is a region associated with SEQ ID NO: 204. In a aspect, maturity 8 genomic region can span 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM, 20 cM or 30 cM from either side of SEQ ID NO: 204. One aspect of the present invention includes a method of detecting the genomic region of maturity 8 by detecting an allele using a marker selected from any of SEQ ID NO: 204 to 213.

[00425] Nucleic acid molecules of the present invention or fragments thereof are capable of hybridizing specifically to other nucleic acid molecules, also included in the present invention, in certain circumstances. In one aspect, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention contain any of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213, complements thereof and any fragments thereof. In another aspect, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention include nucleic acid molecules that hybridize, for example, under high or low stringency, substantially homologous sequences, or that have both of these molecules. As used in this application, two nucleic acid molecules are able to specifically hybridize to each other if the two molecules are able to form a double stranded antiparallel nucleic acid structure. One nucleic acid molecule is the complement of another nucleic acid molecule if it exhibits complete complementarity. As used in this application, molecules exhibit complete complementarity when each nucleotide of one of the molecules is complementary to a nucleotide of the other. Two molecules are minimally complementary if they can hybridize to each other with sufficient stability to allow them to remain ringed together under at least conventional stringent conditions. Similarly, moPetition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 58/152

49/114 molecules are complementary if they can hybridize to each other with sufficient stability to allow them to remain ringed together under conventional high stringency conditions. Conventional stringency conditions are described by Sambrook et al., In: Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York (1989)), and by Haymes et al., In: Nucleic Acid Hybridization, A Practical Approach, IRL Press, Washington, DC (1985). Completely complementary matches are then permissible, while such matches do not completely impede the ability of molecules to form a double-stranded structure. In order for a nucleic acid molecule to serve as a primer or probe it is only necessary to be sufficiently complementary in the sequence to be able to form a stable double-stranded structure under certain concentrations of solvent and salt employed. [00426] As used in this application, a substantially homologous sequence is a nucleic acid sequence that will specifically hybridize to the complement of the nucleic acid sequence with which it is being compared under conditions of high stringency. The nucleic acid probes and primers of the present invention can hybridize under stringent conditions to a target DNA sequence. The term stringent hybridization conditions is defined as conditions under which a probe or primer hybridizes specifically to a target sequence (s) and not to non-target sequences, as can be determined empirically. The term stringent conditions is functionally defined as to the hybridization of a nucleic acid probe to a target nucleic acid (that is, to a particular nucleic acid sequence of interest) by the specific hybridization procedure discussed in Sambrook et al., 1989, on 9.52-9.55. See also, Sambrook et al., 1989 at 9.47-9.52, 9,569.58; Kanehisa, Nucl. Acids Res. 12: 203-213, 1984; and Wetmur and DaPetição 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 59/152

50/114 vidson, J. Mol. Biol. 31: 349-370, 1968. Appropriate stringency conditions that promote DNA hybridization are, for example, 6.0 x sodium chloride / sodium citrate (SSC) at approximately 45 ° C, followed by washing with 2.0 x SSC at 50 ° C, are known to those skilled in the art or can be found in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, NY, 1989, 6.3.16.3.6. For example, the salt concentration in the washing step can be selected from a low stringency of approximately 2.0 x SSC at 50 ° C to a high stringency of approximately 0.2 x SSC at 50 ° C. In addition, the temperature in the washing step can be increased from low stringency conditions to room temperature, approximately 22 ° C, to high stringency conditions at approximately 65 ° C. Both temperature and salt can be varied, or the temperature or salt concentration can be considered constant while another variable is modified.

[00427] For example, hybridization using DNA or RNA probes or primers can be performed at 65 ° C in 6 x SSC, 0.5% SDS, 5x Denhardt, non-specific 100 pg / mL DNA (for example, DNA from sonicated salmon sperm) with washing in 0.5 x SSC, 0.5% SDS at 65 ° C, for high stringency.

[00428] It is contemplated that lower stringency hybridization conditions, such as lower hybridization and / or wash temperatures can be used to identify related sequences having a lower degree of sequence similarity if the specificity of probe or primer binding to target sequence (s) is retained. Consequently, the nucleotide sequences of the present invention can be used for their ability to selectively form duplex molecules with complementary intervals of DNA, RNA or cDNA fragments. The detection of DNA segments through hybridization is well known to those skilled in

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51/114 technique, and thus depending on the intended application, each will wish to employ varying hybridization conditions to achieve varying degrees of probe selectivity towards the target sequence and the method of choice will depend on the desired results.

[00429] As used in this application, an agent, being a naturally occurring molecule or otherwise, can be substantially purified, if desired, by referring to a molecule separated substantially from all other molecules normally associated with it in its native state. More preferably, a substantially purified molecule is the predominant species present in a preparation. A substantially purified molecule can be more than 60% free, preferably 75% free, more preferably 90% free, and even more preferably 95% free of other molecules (exclusive of solvent) present in the natural mixture. The term substantially purified is not intended to encompass molecules present in their native state.

[00430] The agents of the present invention will preferably be biologically active in relation to a structural attribute, such as the ability of a nucleic acid to hybridize to another nucleic acid molecule, or in relation to the ability of a protein to be bound by an antibody (or compete with another molecule for such a bond). Alternatively, such an attribute can be catalytic, and thus imply the agent's ability to mediate a chemical reaction or response.

[00431] The agents of the present invention can also be recombinant. As used in this application, the term recombinant means any agent (e.g., DNA, peptide, etc.), that is, or results, however indirect, from human manipulation of a nucleic acid molecule.

[00432] The agents of the present invention can be labeled

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52/114 with reagents that facilitate detection of the agent (labels, e.g., fluorescent (Prober et al, Science 238:. 336-340 (1987); European Patent No. 144914), chemical labels (U.S. Patent No. 4,582. 789; U.S. Patent No. 4,563,417), modified bases (European Patent No. 119448), all of which are incorporated in this application by reference in its entirety).

[00433] In one aspect, an agent of the present invention will specifically hybridize to one or more of the nucleic acid molecules shown in SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 or complements thereof or fragments thereof under moderately strict conditions, for example , at approximately 2.0 x SSC and approximately 65 ° C. In one aspect, a nucleic acid of the present invention will specifically hybridize to one or more of the nucleic acid molecules shown in SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 or complements or fragments thereof under conditions of high stringency.

[00434] Agents of the present invention include genetic markers. Examples of such markers include nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleic acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213. Examples of public marker databases include, for example: Soybase, an Agricultural Research Service, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Other genetic markers are revealed in them.

[00435] Agents of the present invention include fragments of nucleic acid molecules of the present invention. The fragments may contain significant portions of, or indeed, most of, SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213. In one aspect, the fragments are between 100 and 200 consecutive residues, 150 and 300 consecutive residues, 50 and 150 consecutive residues , or 20 and 50 residues consecutive to

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53/114 over a nucleic molecule of the present invention. In another aspect, the fragment comprises at least 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 consecutive residues of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213. In one aspect, a fragment of the nucleic acid molecule is capable of selectively hybridizing to SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213.

[00436] In one aspect of the present invention, a preferred marker of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention has the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 or complements thereof or fragments as well. In another aspect of the present invention, a preferred marker of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention shares sequence identity between 80% and 100% or 90% and 100% with the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 or complement of the same or fragments as well. In a further aspect of the present invention, a preferred marker of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention shares sequence identity between 95% and 100% with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 or complement of the same or fragments too. In one aspect of the present invention, a preferred marker of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention shares sequence identity between 98% and 100% with the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 or complement of same or fragments as well.

[00437] The percent identity is preferably determined using Best Fit or Sequence Analysis Software Package Gap ™ program (Version 10; Genetics Computer Group, Inc, University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center, Madison, WI). Gap uses the Needleman and Wunsch algorithm to find the alignment of two strings that maximizes the number of compatiPetition 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 63/152

54/114 positions and minimizes the number of gaps. BestFit performs an optimal alignment of the best similarity segment between two sequences and inserts gaps to maximize the number of position compatibilities using Smith and Waterman's local homology algorithm. The percent identity calculations can also be performed using the Megalign program from the LASERGENE bioinformatics computer suite (predefined parameters, DNASTAR Inc., Madison, Wisconsin). The identity percentage is even more preferably determined using the BestFit program using predefined parameters.

[00438] The present invention further provides one or more single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The detection of polymorphic sites in a sample of DNA, RNA, or cDNA can be facilitated through the use of nucleic acid amplification methods. Such methods include those that specifically increase the concentration of polynucleotides that cross the polymorphic site, or include that site and sequences located distal or proximal to it. Such amplified molecules can be readily detected by gel electrophoresis or other means.

[00439] One embodiment of this amplification method employs the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Mullis et al 1986 Cold Spring Harbor Symp Quant Biol 51: 263-273; European Patent No. 50,424; European Pat.... ^the 84,796; European Patent No. 258 017; European Patent No. 237 362; European Patent No. 201 184, U.S. Patent No. 4,683,202; U.S. Patent No. 4,582,788; and U.S. Patent No. 4,683,194) , using pairs of primers that are able to hybridize to the proximal sequences that define a polymorphism in its double-stranded form.

[00440] Alleles that are associated with plant maturity can be determined based on plant linkage analysis and

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55/114 nucleic acid molecules of the present invention. Several molecular genetic maps of Glycine have been reported (Mansur et al., Crop Sci. 36: 1327 - 1336 (1996); Shoemaker et al., Genetics 144: 329-338 (1996); Shoemaker et al., Crop Science 32: 1091-1098 (1992), Shoemaker et al., Crop Science 35: 436-446 (1995); Tinley and Rafalski, J. Cell Biochem. Suppl. 14E: 291 (1990); Cregan et al., Crop Science 39: 1464-1490 (1999)). Soy, Glycine soy and Soy x. Glycine soy shares linkage groups (Shoemaker et al., Genetics 144: 329-338 (1996)). A linking group (LG) is a set of genes that tend to be inherited together from generation to generation. As used in this application, reference to link groups (LG), D1b; C2; O; L; and I and Soybeans refer to the linking group corresponding to linking groups, D1b, C2, O, L; and I of the genetic map of Soy (Mansur et al., Crop Science. 36: 1327-1336 (1996)); Cregan et al., Crop Science 39: 1464-1490 (1999), and Soybase, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

[00441] Research across the genome has revealed SNP markers associated with the genomic region of maturity 1 are located in the link group (LG) C2, genomic region of maturity 2 is located in LG O, genomic region of maturity 3 is located in LG L, genomic region of maturity 4 is located in LG I, genomic region of maturity 5 is located in LG L, genomic region of maturity 6 is located in LG Dlb + W, genomic region of maturity 7 is located in LG G and genomic region maturity 8 is located at LG M.

[00442] In one aspect, the present invention can be used to identify additional markers associated with genomic regions of maturity 1 to 8. The present invention includes a maturity marker at 1 cM, 5 cM, 10 cM, 15 cM or 30 cM of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213. Similarly, one or more markers mapped within 1, 5,

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56/114

10, 20 and 30 cM or less of the marker molecules of the present invention can be used for the selection or introgression of the region associated with maturity and / or plant growth habit. The present invention includes a maturity marker that is linked with SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213 and delayed maturity. The present invention includes a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule comprising a maturity marker at 5 kilobases, 10 kilobases, 20 kilobases, 30 kilobases, 100 kilobases, 500 kilobases, 1,000 kilobases, 10,000 kilobases, 25,000 kilobases or 50,000 kilobases from a selected marker from the compound group of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213. The present invention includes a maturity marker at 5 kilobases, 10 kilobases, 20 kilobases, 30 kilobases, 100 kilobases, 500 kilobases, 1,000 kilobases, 10,000 kilobases, 25,000 kilobases or 50,000 kilobases of any of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213 that co-segregates with any of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213. Similarly, one or more markers mapped in 5 kilobases, 10 kilobases, 20 kilobases, 30 kilobases, 100 kilobases, 500 kilobases, 1,000 kilobases, 10,000 kilobases, 25,000 kilobases or 50,000 kilobases or less of marker molecules of the present invention may be used for the selection or introgression of the region associated with maturity and / or plant growth habit.

[00443] A maturity genomic region is a physical region of a plant chromosome that has been associated with determining a plant's maturity date. A plant is considered mature when 95% of its pods have reached their mature color. In one aspect of the present invention, a plant's maturity date is the number of days after August 31 in the northern hemisphere. Alleles of the genomic regions from maturity 1 to 8 can influence the maturity date of a plant.

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57/114 [00444] In one aspect, a plant's maturity date can determine a plant's maturity group. In this order, relative maturity refers to a soybean plant maturity group subdividing a maturity group in tenths, for example, III.5. Relative maturity provides a more accurate description of plant maturity. The number after the decimal point refers to the earliest or most retarded parent with a maturity group, for example, IV.2 is an early variety from group IV and IV.9 is a late group IV. [00445] In another aspect, maturity group can be determined by reference in relation to a pedigree marketed for a maturity group. For example, a strain sold with a known maturity group is grown in an experiment with a new soybean strain and the relative maturity of the new soybean strain is determined by counting the number of days after August 31 and comparing it with the marketed strain . Maturity group refers to a division of the industry into groups of varieties based on a range in latitudes that the plant is best adapted to and even more productive. Soy varieties are classified into 13 recognized maturity groups with designations ranging from maturity groups 000, 00, 0, and I to X, where 000 represents the earliest maturity variety and X represents the most late maturity variety. Maturity groups have corresponding maturity belts.

[00446] Soybean plants in groups of maturity 000 to IV have an indeterminate plant habit, while soybean plants in groups of maturity V to X have a determined plant habit. Early varieties of maturity (000 to III) are adapted to northern latitudes with longer day lengths with the designation of maturity increasing in southern latitudes with shorter day lengths.

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58/114 [00447] An increase in maturity can correlate with an increase in yield or other traits, such as oil concentration. The correlation of plant maturity and other traits confuses the assessment of potential candidate markers and genes associated with other traits, such as yield. Identification of genomic regions associated with plant maturity, but not with another trait, can allow breeders to genetically establish plant maturity in a soybean plant and separately elucidate other traits, such as those associated with yield.

[00448] The present invention includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed must be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed ; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 1 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 are homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 3 are homozygous or heterozygous; determination of the allele combination of the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3; and assigning a maturity group value to the soybean plant or soybean seed. In a preferred aspect, determining whether the alleles at a locus are homozygous or heterozygous includes detecting a polymorphism with a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence from any of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 174, or complements thereof.

[00449] In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of establishment where a soy plant or soy seed should be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soy plant or soy seed by obtaining DNA from a soy plant or soybean seed; determination of alleles in a loPetition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 68/152

59/114 cus in the genomic region of maturity 1 are heterozygous or homozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 are heterozygous or homozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 3 are heterozygous or homozygous; determining whether alleles at a locus in the genomic region of maturity 2 are heterozygous or homozygous; determination of the allele combination of the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2, 3 and 4; and assigning a maturity group value to the soybean plant or soybean seed.

[00450] The present invention also includes a method of providing information on the maturity of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from the soybean seed or soybean plant and by determining the allelic profile at a locus in the genomic region 4.

[00451] The present invention also includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed should be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant or soybean seed by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed. Soy; determining whether an allele of the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determination if an allele of the genomic region of maturity 3 determination; and determination of the allele combination of the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2, and 3.

[00452] In a preferred aspect, the soybean plant or soybean seed is homozygous for the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3. In a preferred aspect, the homozygous alleles are dominant or recessive. In another aspect, the soybean plant or soybean seed is homozygous for alleles in maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions. In a preferred aspect, homozygous alleles

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60/114 are dominant or recessive. In another aspect, the soybean plant or soybean seed is homozygous for alleles in maturity 2 and 3 genomic regions. In a preferred aspect, homozygous alleles are dominant or recessive. In another aspect, the soybean plant or soybean seed is heterozygous for the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3. In another aspect, the soybean plant or soybean seed is heterozygous for the alleles in the genomic regions of maturity. 1 and 2. In another aspect, the soybean plant or soybean seed is heterozygous for alleles in maturity 2 and 3 genomic regions. In a preferred aspect, the allelic combination is the allelic combination 10, allelic combination 11, allelic combination 12, allele combination 13, allele combination 14, allele combination 15, allele combination 16, allele combination 17, allele combination 18 and allele combination 19.

[00453] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of establishment where a soybean plant or soybean seed should be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant by obtaining DNA from a soybean or soybean plant; determining whether an allele of the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determination of the allele combination of alleles in maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions; and assigning a maturity growth value to the soybean plant or soybean seed. In a preferred aspect, determining whether an allele is homozygous or heterozygous includes detecting a polymorphism of any of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 161. In a preferred aspect, the allele combination is the allele combination 1, allele combination 2, combination allelic 3, allelic combination 4, allelic combination 5, allelic combination 6, allelic combination 7, allelic combination 8 and allelic combination 9. In a prefect aspect 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 70/152

61/114 rential, the soybean plant or soybean seed is obtained from a cross between an early plant of parental soybean of the maturity group and a plant of parental soybean of medium maturity. In a preferential aspect, the parental soybean plant of the early maturity group is between 00.0 and 1.0 and the parental soybean plant of medium maturity is between III.0 and IV.9.

[00454] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of determining whether a soybean plant has a maturity group of 0.0 to III.9 by determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and assigning a maturity group value for the soybean plant between 0.0 and III.9. In a preferred aspect, maturity in the soybean plant is reached at least 5 days before a soybean plant that is homozygous dominant in the genomic region of maturity 1, homozygous dominant in the genomic region of maturity 2 and is grown under the same environmental conditions .

[00455] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method for determining whether the maturity of a soybean plant is in a maturity group 00.0 to III.0 by determining whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and attribution of a maturity group value by the soy plant between 00.0 and III.0. In a preferred aspect, a selected soybean seed is homozygous recessive in the genomic region of maturity 1 and homozygous recessive in the genomic region of maturity 2 and has a maturity group between 0.5 and II.0. In a preferential aspect, a soybean seed is selected as a homozygous recessive in the genomic region of maturity 1 and a heterozygous dominant in the genomic region of maturity 2 and has a group of

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62/114 maturity between 1.5 and II.9.

[00456] The present invention includes a method where the maturity group of a progeny plant is predicted if an allele in the genomic region of maturity 1 is a dominant homozygote, recessive homozygote or heterozygous and if an allele in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous dominant, homozygous recessive or heterozygous. In one aspect, if a plant's maturity group is between 0 and II, the maturity group can be identified by determining the allelic combination of maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions in a plant or seed. See, for example, Table 9.

[00457] In an alternative aspect, if the maturity group of a plant is between III and V, the maturity group can be identified by determining the allelic combination of the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3 in a plant or seed. See, for example, Table 9. In one aspect, if a plant's maturity group is between IV and V, the maturity group can be identified by determining the allelic combination of maturity 1, 2 and 3 genomic regions in a plant or seed. See, for example, Table 9.

[00458] In another aspect, the parental maturity group is known. In one aspect, the maturity groups of the parental plants are different for more than 10 days, between 10 days and 20 days, between 10 days and 30 days, more than 2 maturity groups, less than 2 maturity groups, between groups of maturity 000 and VI. In one aspect, the maturity group of a progeny plant resulting from a cross with at least one parent having a maturity group of 0 to II is identified by determining the allelic combination of the maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions. In another aspect , the maturity group of a progeny plant resulting from a cross with parental plants having a group of

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63/114 maturity of III, IV, V, or III to V is identified by determining the allelic combination of the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3. [00459] In one aspect, the most dominant alleles in a locus in a region maturity group correlates with a delay in maturity. In another aspect, an increase in the number of dominant alleles correlates with a delay in maturity. [00460] In one aspect, parental plants with a difference in the maturity group greater than 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 are crossed and their maturity group identified by determining the allelic combination. In one aspect, parental plants with a difference in the maturity group between 1 and 3, between 1 and 4, between 2 and 3, between 2 and 5, between 2 and 6, between 2 and 7 are crossed and their maturity group identified by determining the allelic combination of the progeny. In one aspect, parental plants with a difference in the maturity group greater than 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 are crossed and their maturity group identified by determining the allelic combination.

[00461] In one aspect, a progeny plant has a group of maturity previous to a parent in 5, 10 or 15 days. In another aspect, a progeny plant has a group of maturity after a parent plant in 5, 10 or 15 days. In one aspect, a progeny plant has a group of maturity previous to both parents in 5, 10 or 15 days. In another aspect, a progeny plant has a maturity group after both parental plants in 5, 10 or 15 days.

[00462] In one aspect, an early parent of the 0.1 maturity group is crossed with a later maturity parent plant that is a 1.9, and the progeny plants with the allelic combination 1 are of 0.1 to maturity 0.5. In another aspect, an early parent with a maturity of 0.9 is crossed with a plant having a maturity of 3.5, and plants having an allelic combination 1 is the group of maturiPetição 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 73/152

64/114 1.0 to 1.5.

[00463] In one aspect, the maturity group of a progeny seed is determined from a cross between a parent plant of very early maturity with a parent plant of later maturity. In one aspect, the parent plant of earlier maturity is a group of maturity 00.0 to 0.9 and the parent plant of later maturity is a group of maturity III.5 to IV.5. In one aspect, the parent plant of early maturity is a group of maturity 00 and the parent plant of later maturity is a group of maturity III or IV. In one aspect, DNA can be obtained from plants or parts of the plant, such as seeds in populations F ₁ , F ₂ , F ₃ , F4 or later. In one aspect, one or more plants or parts of the plant are genotyped for alleles in genomic regions 1 and 2. In one aspect, alleles are determined using the SNP markers NS0128378 (region of genomic maturity 1) and NS0118907 (region of maturity genomics 2).

[00464] In one aspect, plants are phenotyped for maturity by counting the number of days after August 31 until a plant matures. In one respect, a plant is considered mature when 95% of the pods are brown. In one aspect, when marker alleles associated with the maturity of genomic regions 1 and 2 are homozygous recessive, the progeny plant will reach maturity 15, 14, 12, 11, 10, 9 or 8 days earlier than the group of maturity if the marker alleles associated with maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions are dominant homozygotes. In one aspect, if an allele of a marker associated with the genomic region of maturity 1 is homozygous dominant and an allele of a marker associated with the genomic region of maturity 2 is heterozygous, then the progeny plant will reach maturity within 1 day, 1 and 2 days, 2 and 3 days, 2 and 4 days, or 3 and 5 days before

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65/114 if the marker alleles associated with maturity 1 and 2 genomic regions are dominant homozygotes.

[00465] In another aspect of the present invention, multiple seeds can be selected or grown. Multiple seeds can include more than or equal to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5,000, 10,000 or more seeds. One or multiple seeds can be distributed to a geographic region suitable for the growth of one or multiple plants. In this regard, the selected seeds can be distributed or transported to an appropriate region. [00466] The present invention also provides multiple soybean seeds in which more than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% of the seeds will become plants where the variation in the maturity group is within of a maturity group, not more than 2 groups or 20 days after August 31, not more than 1 group or 10 days after August 31, not more than 0.9 or nine days after August 31, not more than 5 days after August 31 or group 0.5, or with a group of maturity between 0.0 to II, 0, 000.0 to III, 9. Multiple soybean seeds can become soybean plants having an indeterminate soybean plant habit or having a determined soybean plant habit. One aspect of the present invention includes a method for selecting a soybean seed based on the habit of indeterminate or determined growth comprising determining whether the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous. In one respect, 85% of multiple soybean seeds can reach maturity in 10 days, 5 days, 3 days each. In another aspect, 95% of multiple soybean seeds can reach maturity in 10 days, 5 days, 3 days each.

[00467] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method for isolating early soybean seeds of undetermined maturity by obtaining DNA from the soybean seed using a non-destructive method 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 75/152

66/114 active; determining whether an allele of the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and determining whether an allele in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous.

[00468] Such multiple seeds can be in a container. The soybean seed container can contain any number, weight, or volume of seeds. For example, a container can contain at least, or more than, approximately 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 80, 90, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 5000, 7500, or 10,000 or more seeds. In another aspect, a container can contain approximately, or more than approximately, 1 gram, 5 grams, 10 grams, 15 grams, 20 grams, 25 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams, 250 grams, 500 grams, or 1000 grams of seeds . Alternatively, the container can contain at least, or more than, approximately 0 grams (0 ounces), 28.349 grams (1 ounce), 141.745 grams (5 ounces), 283.49 grams (10 ounces), 453.592 grams (1 pound) , 907,184 grams (2 pounds), 1360,776 grams (3 pounds), 1814,368 grams (4 pounds), 2267,96 grams (5 pounds), 4535,92 grams (10 pounds), 6803,88 grams (15 pounds), 9071.84 grams (20 pounds), 11339.8 grams (25 pounds), 13606.76 grams (30 pounds), 18143.68 grams (40 pounds), 22679.6 grams (50 pounds), 27215, 52 grams (60 pounds), 31751.44 grams (70 pounds), 36287.36 grams (80 pounds), 45359.2 grams (100 pounds), 90718.4 grams (200 pounds), 136077.6 grams (300 pounds) ), 226796 grams (400 pounds) or 453592 grams (1000 pounds) or more seeds.

[00469] Soybean seed containers can be any containers available in the art. For example, a container can be a box, a bag, a can, a package, a bag, a roll of tape, a bucket or a tube.

[00470] In another aspect, the seeds contained in the soybean seed containers can be treated or non-traPetition soybean seeds 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 76/152

67/114 tadas. In one aspect, seeds can be treated to improve germination, for example, by osmotic conditioning, or by disinfection to protect against pathogens associated with the seed. In another aspect, the seeds can be covered with any available coating to improve, for example, plantability, seed emergence and protection against pathogens associated with the seed. The seed coating can be any form of seed coating including, but not limited to, pelletizing, film coating and inlays.

[00471] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of distributing a soybean plant based on the maturity group by obtaining DNA from a soybean plant; determining whether an allele of the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and assigning a maturity growth value to the soybean plant; and transportation of the soy plant to a preferred geographical region.

[00472] A plant of the invention may also comprise a gene that confers resistance to insect, pest, viral or bacteria attack ^the N This gene can be a transgene. For example, a gene conferring resistance to a pest, such as soybean cyst nematode was described in the U.S. Patent No. 7,154,021, incorporated by reference in this application.

[00473] Transgenes can also be used to alter protein metabolism. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,545,545, incorporated in this application by reference, describes corn insensitive to acid lysine dihidrodipicolínica synthase (DHPS), which is substantially resistant to concentrations of L-lysine which otherwise inhibit the activity of DHPS native. Similarly, EP

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68/114

0640141, in this application incorporated by reference, describes sequences encoding lysine-insensitive aspartokinase (AK) capable of causing greater than normal threonine production, as well as a subfragment encoding antisense lysine ketoglutarate reductase to increase lysine.

[00474] In another aspect, a transgene can be used by altering the carbohydrate metabolism in the plant. For example, frutoquinases genes are known for use in metabolic engineering of fructokinase gene expression in transgenic plants and their fruit (see U.S. Patent No. 6,031,154, incorporated by reference in this application). An additional example of transgenes that can be used are genes that alter grain yield. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,486,383, incorporated in this application by reference, describes modification of starch content in plants with subunit proteins of adenosine difosfoglicose pyrophosphorylase (ADPG PPase). In EP0797673, in this application incorporated by reference, transgenic plants are discussed in which the introduction and expression of certain DNA molecules result in the formation of easily mobilized phosphate pools outside the vacuole and an increased biomass production and / or altered flowering behavior. Even better known are genes for changing plant maturity. U.S. Patent No. 6,774,284, incorporated in this application by reference, describes DNA encoding a plant lipase and methods of use of same for controlling senescence in plants. U.S. Patent No. 6,140,085, incorporated by reference in this application discusses FCA genes for altering flowering characteristics, particularly the timing of flowering. U.S. Patent No. 5,637,785, incorporated by reference in this application discusses genetically modified plants having modulated flower development such as having prePetição 870 170 047 791 development, 07/07/2017, p. 78/152

69/114 a patch of floral meristem and comprising a structural gene encoding the LEAFY protein in its genome.

[00475] In another aspect, the present invention provides methods and compositions for preferential implantation of conventional and transgenic traits related to fatty acid synthesis and oil content. Using the present invention, breeders can adapt the integration of the trait to the geographic region for expression of preferred trait, whether the trait is conventional (for example, a mutation) or transgenic. For example, a transgene can be employed by changing the biosynthesis of vegetable oil and oil composition. In particular, linoleic acid (LA) (18: 2, Δ9, 12) is produced from oleic acid (18: 1, Δ9) by a D12-desaturase (encoded by FAD2) as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) ( 18: 3, Δ9, 12, 15) is produced from LA by an Á15-desaturase (encoded by FAD3). In addition, stearidonic acid (SDA) (18: 4, Δ6, 9, 12, 15) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (18: 3, Δ6, 9, 12) are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) produced from of LA and ALA by an Á6-desaturase. Several genes encoding desaturases have been described. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,952,544, incorporated by reference in this application describes nucleic acid fragments isolated and cloned from Brassica napus that encode enzymes fatty acid desaturase. The expression of B. napus Δl5-desaturase from the '544 patent resulted in the accumulation of ALA. PCT Published Patent 20060156435, in this application incorporated by reference, describes the expression of fungal Δ15-desaturases to increase omega 3 fatty acid profiles in plants. PCT Published Patent WO05 / 021761, in this application incorporated by reference, discusses genetically engineered plants that produce both SDA and GLA as a result of the expression of a Δ6 desaturase and a Δ15-desaturase. Long-chain PUFAs such as EPA and DHA can be produced in plants as disclosed in PaPetição 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 79/152

70/114 try North American Published 20040172682, in this order incorporated by reference.

[00476] Inhibition of the endogenous soybean FAD2 gene has been shown through the use of transgenes that inhibit the expression of FAD2 has been shown to confer a desirable mid-oleic acid phenotype (18: 1) (ie, soybean seed comprising oleic acid of approximately 50% and 75% by weight). Transgenes and transgenic plants provided for inhibiting endogenous FAD2 gene expression and mid-oleic phenotype are disclosed in US Patent 7,067,722, in this application incorporated by reference. In contrast, wild-type soy plants that are devoid of FAD2 inhibition transgenes typically produce seed with less than 20% oleic acid compositions. Inhibition of the endogenous FAD3 gene through the use of transgenes that inhibit FAD3 expression has been shown to confer a desirable linolenic acid phenotype (18: 3). A FATB or palmitoyl-ACP thioesterase gene encodes an enzyme (FATB) capable of catalyzing the hydrolytic cleavage of the carbon-sulfur thioester bond in the palmitoyl-ACP pantothene prosthetic group as its preferred reaction. Hydrolysis of other ACP fatty acid thioesters can also be catalyzed by this enzyme. Representative sequences FatB-1 include, without limitation, those set forth in U.S. Published Patent Application 20040006792 and U.S. Patent ^Nos 5,955,329; 5,723,761; 5,955,650; and 6,331,664, incorporated in this order by reference. When the amount of FATB is reduced in a plant cell, a reduced amount of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate and stearate, can be provided. Thus, a reduction in FATB expression can result in an increased proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (18: 1). The simultaneous suppression of expression of FAD2, FAD3 and FATB hereby results in the conduction of the FAS pathway towards an auPetição 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 80/152

71/114 total 18-carbon monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (C18: 1). See U.S. Patent No. 5,955,650, incorporated by reference in this application. [00477] In one aspect, the present invention provides methods and compositions for preferential implantation of conventional and transgenic traits related to fatty acid synthesis and oil content. Soybean oil levels are highly impacted by the environment. Increases in oil concentration with decreasing latitude, therefore, soybeans in 00-1 maturity groups generally have lower oil levels than later maturity soybeans (Yaklich et al. 2002. Crop Sci 42: 1504-1515) . The reduction in oil concentrations is attributed to low temperatures and a shorter growing season (Piper and Boote 1999 J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 76: 1233-124). In addition, soybeans grown under drought stress tend to produce seeds with reduced protein and increased oil (Specht et al. 2001 Crop Sci 41: 493-509). Using the present invention, breeders can adapt the integration of the trait to geographies for preferred trait expression, whether the trait is conventional (for example, a mutation) or transgenic.

[00478] Genes for altering plant morphological characteristics are also known and can be used according to the invention. U.S. Patent No. 6,184,440, incorporated by reference in this application discusses genetically engineered plants that show altered structure or morphology as a result of expression of a cell wall modulation transgene. Examples of cell wall modulation transgenes include a cellulose binding domain, a cellulose binding protein, or a cell wall modifying protein or enzyme, such as endoxyloglycan transferase, xyloglycan endo-transglycosylase, an expansin, cellulose synthase, or a new endo-1,4-p-glycanase isolate.

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72/114 [00479] Methods for introducing a transgene, for example, in soy, are well known in the art and include biological and physical plant transformation protocols. See, for example, Miki et al. (1990), Clemente et al. (Clemente et al, Crop Sci., 40: 797-803, 2000), and United States Patent 7,002,058, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. A further aspect of the invention relates to tissue cultures of a variety of soybeans of the invention. Exemplary types of tissue cultures are protoplasts, calluses and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants. Plant parts include, but are not limited to, embryos, pollen, flowers, leaves, roots, root tips, anthers, vascular tissue, pods, stem, seed or a portion thereof, or an isolated cell from the plant. In one aspect, tissue culture comprises parts of the plant, such as embryos, protoplasts, meristematic cells, pollen, leaves or anthers. In these ways, plants of the present invention or parts of them are grown in culture and regenerated. Exemplary procedures for preparing cell tissue cultures of regenerable soybean and soybean plants regenerated from this, are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,992,375; U.S. Patent No. 5,015,580; U.S. Patent No. 5,024,944 and U.S. Patent No. 5,416,011, the disclosures of each of which is specifically incorporated in this application by reference in its entirety. An important capability of a tissue culture is the ability to regenerate fertile plants. For the transformation to be efficient and successful, DNA must be introduced into cells that give rise to plants or germline tissue.

[00480] In particular, methods for the regeneration of Soy plants from various types of tissue and tissue culture methods of

Soybeans are known in the art (See, for example, Widholm et al., In

Vitro Selection and Culture-induced Variation in Soybean, Em

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73/114

Soybean: Genetics, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Eds. Verma and Shoemaker, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon, England (1996). Plant regeneration techniques such as soybeans can use various tissues or cell types as starting material. With Soy in particular, regeneration processes have been developed that begin with certain different types of tissue, such as meristems, Cartha et al., Can. J. Bot. 59: 1671-1679 (1981), hypocotyl sections, Cameya et al., Plant Science Letters 21: 289 - 294 (1981), and trunk node segments, Saka et al., Plant Science Letters, 19: 193201 ( 1980); Cheng et al., Plant Science Letters, 19: 91-99 (1980). Regeneration of fully sexually mature Soy plants from somatic embryos generated from explants of immature Soy embryos has been reported (Ranch et al., In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology 21: 653-658 (1985)). The regeneration of mature Soy plants from tissue culture by organogenesis and embryogenesis has also been reported (Barwale et al., Plant 167: 473-481 (1986); Wright et al., Plant Cell Reports 5: 150-154 (1986 )).

[00481] Once a transgene is introduced in a variety it can be readily transferred by crossing. Through the use of backcrossing, essentially all the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to the locus transferred in the variety using the backcrossing technique. Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improve or introduce a trait into a plant (Poehlman and Sleper, In: Breeding Field Crops, Iowa State University Press, Ames, 1995; Fehr, Principles of Cultivar Development Vol. 1, pp. 2-3 (1987), in this application incorporated by reference).

[00482] The present invention includes a method of improving the soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, where the parental soybean plants differ

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74/114 at plant maturity in more than 10 days, 10 days to 20 days, 10 days to 30 days; obtaining a seed from the crossed progeny; genotyping of a progeny seed crossed with a genetic marker; and selection of a soybean seed that has a preferential maturity genotype. The present invention also includes a method of improving the soybean plant by analyzing a soybean plant for the presence of marker sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213; and association of the soybean plant with a maturity group. The present invention also includes a soybean breeding method comprising crossing a parent soybean plant that has a desired trait with a second parent soybean plant, where the parent soybean plants differ in the maturity of the soybean plant in more 10 days, 10 days to 20 days, 10 days to 30 days, by crossing a parent soy plant comprising a desired trait with a second parent soy plant; obtaining the progeny of the soybean seed from the crossing; classification of a soybean seed progeny for the trait; classifying a soybean seed progeny into a desired maturity group using a marker selected from the group composed of SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 to determine the desired geographic growth region; and selecting a soybean seed progeny containing the desired trait and maturity of the desired soybean plant.

[00483] In one aspect of the present invention, a method of improving the soybean plant includes crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; non-destructive genotyping of a progeny of the soybean plant or soybean of the crossing with a genetic marker characterizing a genomic region of maturity; and selection of a soybean plant having a genotype

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75/114 for a desired maturity group. In a preferred aspect, the maturity phenotype of the progeny of the soybean plant or soybean seed is unknown. In another preferred aspect, the progeny are grown under conditions that are inappropriate to determine the maturity of the soybean plant. In another preferred aspect, the parental soybean plants differ in the maturity of the soybean plant in more than 5 days, more than 10 days, 10 days to 20 days, 10 days to 30 days, in this order a maturity phenotype of at least least one of the two different parental soy plants is unknown. In a preferred aspect, the maturity phenotype of the two different parental soybean plants is unknown. In a preferred aspect, the progeny of the soybean plant is not sensitive to photoperiod. In another preferred aspect, at least one parent soy plant is not sensitive to photoperiod. In a preferred aspect, both parental soybean plants are not sensitive to photoperiod. In a preferential aspect, the maturity genomic region is characterized by a dominant allele identified in table 6. In a preferential aspect, the maturity genomic region is characterized by a recessive allele identified in table 6.

[00484] In one aspect of the present invention, at least one or both parental soy plants are an elite variety. In one aspect of the present invention, a progeny of the soybean plant is an exotic soybean plant or one or both of the parent soybean plants are exotic soybean plants.

[00485] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of selecting a soybean plant to improve germplasm by determining a maturity group by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; non-destructive genotyping of a progeny of the soybean plant or raw soybean seed Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 85/152

76/114 genetic marker characterizing a mature genomic region; and selecting a soybean plant having a genotype for a desired maturity group; and incorporation of the selected soybean plant into a use selected from the group consisting of the use of the soybean plant for breeding, development of the soybean plant through self-fertilization, trait integration, use of the soybean plant or parts of it for processing and use of soybean plants or parts of them for mutagenesis.

[00486] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of coselecting a soybean plant to express a phenotypic trait of non-maturity and a trait of maturity by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; non-destructive genotyping of a progeny of the soybean plant or soybean of the crossing with a genetic marker characterizing a genomic region of maturity; and selecting a soybean plant having a genotype for a desired maturity group; and to determine the desired geography for the growth of the soybean plant progeny, and a method for determining the non-maturity phenotype. [00487] In a preferential aspect, the method for detecting the non-maturity phenotype is a genotypic or phenotypic method. In a preferred aspect, the phenotypic trait of non-maturity is any one of herbicide tolerance, increased yield, insect control, resistance to fungal disease, resistance to virus, resistance to nematodes, resistance to bacterial disease, resistance to mycoplasma disease, altered oil production, high oil production, high protein production, germination and seedling growth control, potentiated animal and human nutrition, low raffinose, resistance to environmental stress, increased digestibility, industrial enzymes, proteins, peptides and small pharmaceutical molecules ,

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77/114 improved processing traits, improved aroma, nitrogen fixation, hybrid soybean seed production, reduced allergenicity, biopolymers and biofuels.

[00488] In another preferred aspect, a phenotypic trait is any one of altered protein and oil composition, altered levels of a molecule selected from the group consisting of protein, oil, linolenic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, gammalinolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and combinations thereof.

[00489] In one aspect, the plants of the present invention can be used in activities related to germplasm improvement, non-limiting examples of which include plant use for breeding, plant development through self-fertilization, trait integration, plant use or parts of it for transformation and use of plants or parts of it for mutagenesis. Non-limiting examples of breeding decisions include progeny selection, parental selection and recurrent selection for at least one haplotype. In another aspect, breeding decisions relating to the development of plants for commercial release comprise development of plants for testing, development of plants for purity, purification of underlines during development, development of varieties and development of hybrids. In other aspects, breeding decisions and germplasm improvement activities include the selection of a transgenic event, crossing breeding, testing and developing a plant through self-fertilization, using plants or parts of them for transformation, using plants or parts of same for candidates for expression constructs, and using plants or parts of them for mutagenesis. The choice of method Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 87/152

78/114 of breeding depends on the plant breeding mode, heritability of the trait (s) being improved, and the type of cultivar used commercially (for example, F ₁ hybrid cultivar, pure line cultivar, etc.).

[00490] Descriptions of breeding methods that are commonly used for soybeans can be found in one of several reference books (for example, Fehr, Principies of Cultivar Development Vol. 1, pp 2-3 (1987)).

[00491] In one aspect, the present invention includes a method of improving the soybean plant by analyzing a soybean plant for the presence of marker sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 ; and association of the soybean plant with a maturity group.

[00492] In another aspect, the present invention includes a soybean breeding method comprising crossing a parental soybean plant having a desired trait with a second parental soybean plant, wherein the parental soybean plants differ in maturity of the soy plant in more than 5 days, more than 10 days, 10 days to 20 days, or 10 days to 30 days, by crossing a parental soy plant comprising a desired trait with a second parental soy plant; obtaining the progeny of the soybean seed from the crossing; classification of a soybean seed progeny for the trait; sorting a soybean seed progeny to a desired maturity group using a marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 to determine the desired geographic growth region; and selecting a soybean seed progeny containing the desired trait and maturity of the desired soybean plant. In a preferred aspect, the desired trait is transgenic.

[00493] One aspect of the present invention includes a method of

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79/114 improvement of the soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, in which the parental soybean plants differ in the maturity of the soybean plant in more than 5 days, more than 10 days, 10 days a 20 days, or 10 days to 30 days; obtaining a progeny soybean seed from the crossing; genotyping of a soybean seed progeny from crossing with a genetic marker; and selection of a soybean seed having a preferential maturity genotype.

[00494] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of classifying soybean seeds based on the maturity group of the soybean plant by obtaining DNA from a soybean seed; determining whether an allele of the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; determining whether an allele of the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous; and assigning a maturity growth value to the soybean seed.

[00495] One aspect of the present invention is a method of introgressing an allele in a soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; classification of the crossbreeding soybean plant progeny for the allele; obtaining DNA from a soybean seed of the soybean plant progeny using a non-destructive method; and selection of a soybean seed, where the soybean seed comprises the allele and a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213. In a preferred aspect, the selected soybean seed still has a second sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213. In another preferred aspect, the allele is selected from either or both

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80/114 resistance to SCN and resistance to root rot.

[00496] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of introducing a desired trait into a soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, wherein at least one parental soybean plant has a desired trait; obtaining a soybean seed progeny from crossing; obtaining DNA from a soybean seed from the progeny of the soybean plant using a non-destructive method; analysis of the progeny of the soybean seed of the crossing for evidence of the desired trait; and selection of the soybean seed with the desired trait and a desired maturity group. In a preferred aspect, the desired trait is transgenic. [00497] An additional aspect of the present invention includes an introgression method of an allele in a soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants; obtaining a progeny of the soybean plant from crossing; obtaining DNA from a soybean plant progeny using a non-destructive method; and selecting a soybean seed with the allele and a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 174.

[00498] Another aspect of the present invention includes a method of improving the soybean plant by crossing at least two different parental soybean plants, wherein the parental soybean plants differ in maturity of the soybean plant in more than 10 days; obtaining the progeny of the soybean seed from the crossing; genotyping of the progeny of the soybean seed of the crossing with a genetic marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 143 to 213; and selecting a soybean seed with a desired maturity group. An additional aspect of the present invention includes a soybean plant comprising in its genome an intrograde haplotype associated with maturity, in which the introgression is

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81/114 facilitated by at least one of the markers of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 213 or of markers 143 to 162.

[00499] Having now generally described the invention, it will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples which are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to limit the present invention, unless expressly specified.

Examples

Example 1: Discovery of molecular markers associated with genomic regions affecting plant maturity [00500] Soy is a short-day plant, so flowering starts in short days due to a reduction in the photoperiod (Garner & Allard, J. Agric. Res. 18, 553 - 606 (1920)).

[00501] Consequently, the photoperiod (length of day) and the temperature response of the soy plant determines areas of plant adaptation. Due to their sensitivity to the photoperiod, soybean genotypes are grown in narrow latitude zones to optimize yield. Northern soybean varieties, in contrast to southern varieties, start flowering with longer days. Northern varieties planted south of their adaptation zone exhibit accelerated flowering, limited plant growth and reduced yield. Southern soybean varieties planted north of their adaptation zone will have delayed flowering with a potential for frost damage that can reduce yield. Most crosses for the development of soybean varieties are made between parents at 10 days of maturity each. If the parents differ greatly in maturity, progeny plants segregate widely for maturity. In order for breeders to obtain and select soy plants from a group of desired maturity, they must produce and maintain a large number of progeny plants, a practice which is prohibitive.

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Identification of genomic regions associated with plant maturity facilitated crossbreeding between parents beyond 10 days of maturity each without maintaining a large number of progeny plants. [00502] To identify genomic regions associated with plant maturity, 258 soybean strains (129 pairs of different maturity groups) are genotyped with fourteen hundred single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, distributed across the 20 binding groups of the genetic link map of soy. In addition, 258 soybean strains are phenotyped for yield and plant maturity. Associations between SNP marker genotype and plant maturity phenotype are then evaluated. This was done in multiple environments (Tables 2 and 3).

Table 1: Initial identification of maturity genomic regions through marker assisted breeding

Region Highlighter SEQ ID NO: Effect (Dd) P value 1 NS0125408 148 -0.05071 0.009068 1 NS0098982 155 1.242281 0.01081 2 NS0123506 156 -0.57638 0.021863 3 NS0093197 164 1.274868 1.92E-09 3 NS0136544 171 1.162352 1.33E-10 3 NS0119569 172 -1.87063 3.79E-15 3 NS0114317 174 1.419675 3.01E-08 5 NS0123168 188 -0.21704 0.025498 6 NS0103755 190 -0.02572 0.011701 7 NS0095211 199 -0.09176 2.99E-07 7 NS0097307 200 -0.09023 6.66E-07 7 NS0102630 202 -0.08407 2.26E-06 7 NS0102915 203 -0.08226 5.19E-06 8 NS0100652 206 1.75824 3.92E-06 8 NS0119574 207 0.446757 0.045212 8 NS0101020 212 0.829784 0.000462

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Table 2: Estimated effect in days of maturity genomic regions

Region Estimated effect Highlighter SEQ ID AT THE: at plant maturity (Dd) Effect (Dd) P-value 1 NS0124601 143 4.7 0.309636 0.156883 1 NS0096829 145 4.8 0.444689 0.022932 1 NS0099746 146 4.7 0.315142 0.191492 1 NS0123747 147 4.9 0.714394 0.011568 1 NS0125408 148 4.8 0.538569 0.015846 1 NS0128378 149 4.9 0.757069 0.01699 1 NS0093976 154 5.1 0.989792 0.061019 1 NS0098982 155 5.2 1.242281 0.01081 2 NS0123506 156 4.1 0.911763 0.007307 2 NS0097952 157 5.6 4.069668 5.06E-30 2 NS0118907 158 6.3 5.4777999 1.01E-33 2 NS0126989 160 4.6 1.994585 0.000191 2 NS0095677 161 3.8 0.473053 0.10136 3 NS0093197 164 5.2 1.274868 1.92E-09 3 NS0103853 167 6 2.937938 3.78E-09 3 NS0136544 171 6.4 3.765493 3.23E-11 3 NS0119569 172 5.8 2.409513 1.72E-21 3 NS0123708 173 6 2.876505 3.44E-26 3 NS0114317 174 5.9 2.627908 1.69E-22 4 NS0098176 176 4.3 1.068684 6.45E-12 4 NS0100078 177 4 0.479955 0.073839 4 NS0095530 179 4.5 1.364994 2.50E-09 4 NS0129004 180 4.5 1.48424 8.04E-08 5 NS0099024 181 3.4 0.732455 0.112193 5 NS0101863 182 3.3 0.434912 0.078906 5 NS0103446 183 3.1 0.181809 0.058299 5 NS0123168 188 3.2 0.217041 0.025498

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Estimated effect

Region Highlighter SEQ ID AT THE: in maturity vegetable (Ad) Effect (Ad) P-value 6 NS0103755 190 1.2 0.609071 0.140857 6 NS0116125 191 0.9 0.456086 0.152892 6 NS0125713 192 1.1 0.566084 0.036335 6 NS0125770 193 0.8 0.414212 0.009099 6 NS0119281 194 1.6 0.797885 0.038077 6 NS0124590 195 1.4 0.706375 0.000889 6 NS0102717 196 1.5 0.749548 0.000246 7 NS0099531 197 1.3 0.636575 0.000701 7 NS0099417 198 2.4 1.181523 0.015954 7 NS0095211 199 1.7 0.835736 0.099501 7 NS0097307 200 0.2 0.090232 6.66E-07 7 NS0102630 202 2.1 1.029761 0.046938 7 NS0102915 203 2.5 1.231387 4.37E-09 8 NS0102362 204 4.8 2.23831 1.23E-09 8 NS0117716 205 4.3 1,171503 9.09E-06 8 NS0100652 206 4.6 1.75824 3.92E-06 8 NS0119574 207 4.3 1.195594 4.79E-05 8 NS0127728 208 4.5 1.630904 3.33E-07 8 NS0099639 209 4.2 1.037891 0.015656 8 NS0103255 210 4.2 0.975115 0.001037 8 NS0119106 211 4.3 1.18298 0.023909 8 NS0101020 212 4.1 0.829784 0.000462 8 NS0101779 213 4.2 1,000886 0.000563

[00503] The approximate positions of informative markers that indicate a state of dominance or recessivity of the genomic regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are determined based on a search for polymorphisms among a list of 258 strains soybean (tables 3 and 4). A factor in choosing these informational markers is based on which marker has the greatest effect or is associated with the

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85/114 greater delay in maturity such that it is indicative of the maturity phenotype. Another factor in choosing these informational markers is based on the lowest P value, such that the marker does not become lost in the recombination event. Markers with a lower P-value are more likely to be consistently associated with maturity phenotype across different soybean populations (different parents, different pedigrees). Markers with strong and predictive association of introgression of the genomic region are listed in table 5. For NS0128378, the SNP is in fact an indel of 11 bp, where D represents the deletion (***********) and I represents the insertion (TTCGAAGATTT).

Table 3: Position of SNP markers associated with regions

1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Region LG Position (cM) Highlighter Polymorph position in the Consensus Sequence SEQ ID AT THE: 1 C2 113.7 NS0124601 884 143 1 C2 121.9 NS0103749 96 144 1 C2 121.9 NS0096829 225 145 1 C2 121.9 NS0099746 330 146 1 C2 121.9 NS0123747 56 147 1 C2 121.9 NS0125408 133 148 1 C2 121.9 NS0128378 212 149 1 C2 129.3 NS0135390 108 150 1 C2 123 NS0099529 243 151 1 C2 124.3 NS0097798 325 152 1 C2 129.4 NS0093385 109 153 1 C2 134.7 NS0093976 242 154 1 C2 134.7 NS0098982 383 155 2 O 125.4 NS0123506 126 156 2 O 127.7 NS0097952 420 157

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LG Region Position Marker Polymorph Position- SEQ ID

(cM) in the Consensus Sequence AT THE: 2 O 134.9 NS0118907 450 158 2 O 151.4 NS0122182 104 159 2 O 150.8 NS0126989 251 160 2 O 158.5 NS0095677 202 161 3 L 99.4 NS0098853 82 162 3 L 111.5 NS0092561 190 163 3 L 99.4 NS0093197 225 164 3 L 100.4 NS0094891 83 165 3 L 99.4 NS0096225 471 166 3 L 136.2 NS0103853 341 167 3 L 114.2 NS0113929 685 168 3 L 114.2 NS0115535 433 169 3 L 113.6 NS0121511 512 170 3 L 132.9 NS0136544 208 171 3 L 143.1 NS0119569 262 172 3 L 145.8 NS0123708 530 173 3 L 155.9 NS0114317 331 174 4 I 48.3 NS0092743 217 175 4 I 49.6 NS0098176 92 176 4 I 66.4 NS0100078 1412 177 4 I 58.3 NSO137415 231 178 4 I 33.4 NS0095530 327 179 4 I 32.3 NS0129004 1014 180 5 L 40.1 NS0099024 69 181 5 L 35.7 NS0101863 381 182 5 L 40.1 NS0103446 69 183 5 L 35.9 NS0113878 375 184 5 L 36.8 NS0115066 298 185 5 L 36.9 NS0119165 181 186

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Region LG Position (cM) Highlighter Polymorph position in the Consensus Sequence SEQ ID AT THE: 5 L 36.8 NS0120015 449 187 5 L 36 NS0123168 75 188 5 L 38.8 NS0123724 42 189 6 Dlb + W 172.5 NS0103755 45 190 6 Dlb + W 164.1 NS0116125 409 191 6 Dlb + W 176.3 NS0125713 392 192 6 Dlb + W 165.4 NS0125770 1074 193 6 Dlb + W 134.8 NS0119281 596 194 6 Dlb + W 157.6 NS0124590 1092 195 6 Dlb + W 177.2 NS0102717 402 196 7 G 111.5 NS0099531 287 197 7 G 122.1 NS0099417 408 198 7 G 125.7 NS0095211 251 199 7 G 125.7 NS0097307 426 200 7 G 130.4 NS0103004 430 201 7 G 132.1 NS0102630 186 202 7 G 131.2 NS0102915 193 203 8 M 37.7 NS0102362 74 204 8 M 42.2 NS0117716 74 205 8 M 44.2 NS0100652 247 206 8 M 44.2 NS0119574 367 207 8 M 42.8 NS0127728 650 208 8 M 48.8 NS0099639 362 209 8 M 64.8 NS0103255 289 210 8 M 64.8 NS0119106 417 211 8 M 67.1 NS0101020 238 212 8 M 67.1 NS0101779 147 213

[00504] Allele-specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes are used in

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Real-time PCR. Two FRET probes carrying different fluorescent reporter dyes are used, where a single dye is incorporated into an oligonucleotide that can ring with high specificity to only one of the two alleles. The reporter dyes are 2'chloro-7'-phenyl-1,4-dichloro-6-carboxyfluorescein (VIC) and 6-carboxyfluorescein phosphoramidite (FAM).

Table 4: List of SNP markers associated with regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Region Highlighter SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: Initiate pain of feeling of direct SEQ ID AT THE: Initiate pain of sense reverse SEQ ID AT THE: FAM Allele FAM SEQ ID AT THE: Son- gives VIC Allele VIC 1 NS0124601 143 1 2 214 T 215 G 1 NSO103749 144 3 4 216 G 217 THE 1 NS0096829 145 5 6 218 Ç 219 THE 1 NS0099746 146 7 8 220 G 221 THE 1 NS0123747 147 9 10 222 T 223 THE 1 NS0125408 148 11 12 224 T 225 Ç 1 NS0128378 149 13 14 226 TTCG AAGA TTT 227 ******** *** 1 NS0135390 150 15 16 228 T 229 G 1 NS0099529 151 17 18 230 T 231 THE 1 NS0097798 152 19 20 232 G 233 THE 1 NS0093385 153 21 22 234 T 235 Ç 1 NS0093976 154 23 24 236 G 237 Ç 1 NS0098982 155 25 26 238 Ç 239 *

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Region Highlighter SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: Initiate pain of feeling of direct SEQ ID AT THE: Initiate pain of sense reverse SEQ ID AT THE: FAM Allele FAM SEQ ID AT THE: Son- gives VIC Allele VIC 2 NS0123506 156 27 28 240 T 241 G 2 NS0097952 157 29 30 242 G 243 THE 2 NS0118907 158 31 32 244 Ç 245 THE 2 NS0122182 159 33 34 246 T 247 Ç 2 NS0126989 160 35 36 248 T 249 THE 2 NS0095677 161 37 38 250 T 251 Ç 3 NS0098853 162 39 40 252 AG 253 ** 3 NS0092561 163 41 42 254 T 255 Ç 3 NS0093197 164 43 44 256 G 257 THE 3 NS0094891 165 45 46 258 T 259 G 3 NS0096225 166 47 48 260 Ç 261 THE 3 NS0103853 167 49 50 262 T 263 Ç 3 NS0113929 168 51 52 264 G 265 Ç 3 NS0115535 169 53 54 266 T 267 G 3 NS0121511 170 55 56 268 T 269 Ç 3 NS0136544 171 57 58 270 T 271 Ç 3 NS0119569 172 59 60 272 T 273 THE 3 NS0123708 173 61 62 274 G 275 THE 3 NS0114317 174 63 64 276 G 277 THE 4 NS0092743 175 65 66 278 AGAA 279 **** 4 NS0098176 176 67 68 280 T 281 Ç 4 NS0100078 177 69 70 282 T 283 G 4 NS0137415 178 71 72 284 T 285 Ç 4 NS0095530 179 73 74 286 T 287 THE

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Region Highlighter SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: Initiate pain of feeling of direct SEQ ID AT THE: Initiate pain of sense reverse SEQ ID AT THE: FAM Allele FAM SEQ ID AT THE: Son- gives VIC Allele VIC 4 NSOI29004 180 75 76 288 G 289 THE 5 NS0099024 181 77 78 290 G 291 THE 5 NS0101863 182 79 80 292 G 293 THE 5 NS0103446 183 81 82 294 G 295 THE 5 NS0113878 184 83 84 296 G 297 THE 5 NS0115066 185 85 86 298 T 299 THE 5 NS0119165 186 87 88 300 G 301 THE 5 NS0120015 187 89 90 302 G 303 Ç 5 NS0123168 188 91 92 304 T 305 Ç 5 NS0123724 189 93 94 306 G 307 THE 6 NS0103755 190 95 96 308 T 309 THE 6 NS0116125 191 97 98 310 T 311 Ç 6 NS0125713 192 99 100 312 G 313 THE 6 NS0125770 193 101 102 314 G 315 THE 6 NSOI19281 194 103 104 316 G 317 THE 6 NS0124590 195 105 106 318 T 319 Ç 6 NS0102717 196 107 108 320 G 321 THE 7 NS0099531 197 109 110 322 AA 323 ** 7 NS0099417 198 111 112 324 G 325 Ç 7 NS0095211 199 113 114 326 T 327 Ç 7 NS0097307 200 115 116 328 G 329 ç 7 NSO103004 201 117 118 330 G 331 THE 7 NS0102630 202 119 120 332 Ç 333 THE 7 NS0102915 203 121 122 334 G 335 THE

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Region Highlighter SEQ ID NO: SEQ ID NO: Initiate pain of feeling of direct SEQ ID AT THE: Initiate pain of sense reverse SEQ ID AT THE: FAM Allele FAM SEQ ID AT THE: Son- gives VIC Allele VIC 8 NS0102362 204 123 124 336 T 337 Ç 8 NS0117716 205 125 126 338 ACTT 339 **** 8 NS0100652 206 127 128 340 T 341 THE 8 NS0119574 207 129 130 342 G 343 THE 8 NS0127728 208 131 132 344 G 345 THE 8 NS0099639 209 133 134 346 T 347 Ç 8 NS0103255 210 135 136 348 T 349 Ç 8 NS0119106 211 137 138 350 G 351 THE 8 NS0101020 212 139 140 352 G 353 Ç 8 NS0101779 213 141 142 354 G 355 Ç

Table 5: most predictive markers of genomic regions associated with plant maturity and / or soybean plant growth habit

Region Highlighter SEQ ID NO Allelo Rec. Alelo Dom. 1 NS0099529 151 THE T 1 NS0128378 149 *********** TTCGAAGATTT 2 NSO118907 158 THE Ç 3 NS0115535 169 T G 4 NS0137415 178 Ç T 5 NS0 120015 187 Ç G 6 NS0125713 192 THE G 7 NS0102630 202 Ç THE 8 NS0102362 204 Ç T [00505] SNP markers associated with region 1 include

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SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 155. All of these SNP markers on the map of region 1 of a region in the C2 linker group. Table 4 lists sequences of PCR amplification primers, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 26 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 214 to SEQ ID NO: 239.

[00506] SNP markers associated with region 2 include SEQ ID NO: 156 to SEQ ID NO: 161. All of these SNP markers on the map of region 2 of a region in link group 0. Table 4 lists primer sequences of PCR amplification, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 27 to SEQ ID NO: 38 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 240 to SEQ ID NO: 251.

[00507] SNP markers associated with region 3 include SEQ ID NO: 162 to SEQ ID NO: 174. All of these SNP markers on the map of region 3 of a region in link group L. Table 4 lists primer sequences of PCR amplification, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 39 to SEQ ID NO: 64 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 252 to SEQ ID NO: 277.

[00508] SNP markers associated with region 4 include SEQ ID NO: 175 to SEQ ID NO: 180. All of these SNP markers on the map of region 4 of a region in link group I. Table 4 lists primer sequences of PCR amplification, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 65 to SEQ ID NO: 76 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 278 to SEQ ID NO: 289.

[00509] SNP markers associated with region 5 include SEQ ID NO: 181 to SEQ ID NO: 189. All of these SNP markers on the map of region 5 of a region in link group L. Table 4 lists primer sequences of PCR amplification, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 77 to SEQ ID NO: 94 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 290 to SEQ ID NO: 307.

[00510] SNP markers associated with region 6 include

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SEQ ID NO: 190 to SEQ ID NO: 196 of these SNP markers on the map of region 6 of a region in the DIb linker. Table 4 lists sequences of PCR amplification primers, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 95 to SEQ ID NO: 108 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 308 to SEQ ID NO: 321.

[00511] SNP markers associated with region 7 include SEQ ID NO: 197 to SEQ ID NO: 203. Table 4 lists sequences of PCR amplification primers, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 109 to SEQ ID NO: 122 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 322 to SEQ ID NO: 333.

[00512] SNP markers associated with region 8 include SEQ ID NO: 204 to SEQ ID NO: 213 of this map of SNP markers. Table 4 lists sequences of PCR amplification primers, indicated as SEQ ID NO: 123 to SEQ ID NO: 142 and probes indicated as SEQ ID NO: 336 to SEQ ID NO: 355.

Example 2: Identification of allelic combinations of genomic regions associated with plant maturity in soybeans of the early maturity group [00513] Genomic regions 1 and 2 are used to predict the plant maturity of the plant's progeny resulting in a cross between maturity parents early and medium maturity (III to V). In particular, the allelic combinations of genomic regions 1 and 2 are correlated with a delay in plant maturity. To determine the correlation between allelic combinations in region 1 and 2 and delay in plant maturity, three populations are developed by crossing an early maturity parent (maturity group 00) with a middle maturity parent (maturity group III or IV) (Table 6). Populations 1 to 3 are used to determine the association of the composition of genomic regions 1 and 2 with the delay in plant maturity.

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Table 6: phenotype of the parental maturity group in soybean populations

Population Maturity Group of Maturity Group of Female Parental Female Parental

1 00.9 3.1 2 00.9 3.4 3 00.9 4.1 4 5.9 4.7 5 5.9 5.1 6 5.8 4.7 7 4.1 00.9 8 3.1 00.9 9 3.4 00.9

[00514] The three populations segregate widely for maturity and are polymorphic in genomic regions 1 and 2. F ₃ seeds are obtained by selecting one pod per plant F2 (modified single seed descendant). F3 populations are planted in Guelph, ON and 1,214 F ₃ individuals from the three populations are phenotyped for genomic regions 1 and 2 with SNP markers NS0128378 (genomic region 1) and NS0118907 (genomic region 2). Individual plants in the F3 populations are also genotyped for maturity by counting the number of days after August 31 until the plant matures; plants are considered mature when 95% of the pods are brown. The procedure is repeated with 1055 of the individual plants where each strain of the plant is grown in Chile and phenotyped to maturity by counting the number of days after March 1 until the plant matures; plants are considered mature when 95% of the pods are brown. The procedure is repeated with experimental breeding lines developed from 88 of the 1055 individual plants. Table 8 compares the days

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95/114 with the maturity of individual plants across the three populations and the genotype of individuals in genomic regions 1 and 2. The markers associated with 1 and 2 illustrate 64% of the variation in plant maturity in year 1 and 94% of the variation in maturity vegetable in year 2. Table 7: the association of days with maturity with the composition of regions 1 and 2. Presence (1) or absence (0) of the indicated dominant allele. Homozygous allele states are 0.0 and 1.1. Heterozygous allele state is 0.1.

Combination Allelica Region 1 Region 2 Days to Maturity (D after august 31 Year 1 Year 2 1 0 0 19.2 9.5 2 0 0.1 25.7 13.5 3 0 1.1 33.6 15.5 4 0.1 0 26.2 16.4 5 0.1 0.1 40.3 ND 6 0.1 1.1 49.1 19.5 7 1.1 0 34.2 17.11 8 1.1 0.1 49.3 22.7 9 1.1 1.1 53.5 23.9 Correlation: 64% 94%

Example 3: identification of allelic combinations of genomic regions associated with plant maturity in soybeans of the late maturity group.

[00515] Genomic regions 1, 2 and 3 are used to predict the plant maturity of the progeny plant that results from a hybrid of late maturity and parental of medium maturity. In particular, some of the allelic combinations of genomic regions 1, 2 and 3 are correlated with a delay in plant maturity (tables 8 and 9). To determine the correlation between allelic combinations in region 1, 2 and 3 and delayed plant maturity, three F ₃ populations are disPetition 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 105/152

96/114 developed by crossing a late maturity group V with a late maturity group IV. Populations 4 to 6 after crosses are used to determine the association of the composition of genomic regions 1,2 and 3 with the delay in plant maturity. [00516] The three segregate widely for maturity and are polymorphic in genomic regions 1, 2 and 3. F3 seeds are obtained by selecting one seed per plant F2 (single-seed descendant). 5,984 F ₃ individuals from the three populations are genotyped with the SNP markers NS0099529 (genomic region 1), NS0118907 (genomic region 2), and NS0115535 (genomic region 3) and seeds with the same haplotypic marker are combined. F3 seeds are planted.

Table 8: summary of days for flowering of soybean lines containing various compositions of genomic regions 1, 2 and 3 for plant maturity. Presence (1) or absence (0) of the indicated dominant allele. Homozygous allele states are 0.0 and 1.1. Heterozygous allele state is 0.1. ND = no data.

Combination Region Region Region Days to flowering

Allelica 1 2 3 Pop. 4 (DAP) Pop. 5 Pop. 6 10 1.1 0 1.1 57 57 57 11 1.1 1 1.1 58 57 58 12 1.1 1.1 0 58 59 55 14 1.1 0 0 ND ND 54 15 0.1 0.1 0.1 59 57 56 16 0 1.1 1.1 43 36 41 17 0 0 1.1 44 38 45 18 0 1.1 0 44 39 44 19 0 0 0 44 38 43

[00517] Individuals are also phenotyped for maturity by counting the number of days after August 31 until the plant

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97/114 mature; plants are considered mature when 95% of the pods are brown. Genomic region 3 influences the time to maturity (tTables 8 and 9).

Table 9: summary of days for plant maturity of soybean lines containing various compositions of genomic regions 1, 2 and 3 for plant maturity. ND = no data.

Days to Maturity Combination (D after August)

Alélica Pop. 4 Pop 5 Pop 6

10 59 58 58 11 54 58 58 12 59 57 59 14 ND ND 58 15 54 54 53 16 41 35 37 17 37 35 38 18 44 44 43 19 38 42 43

Example 4: discovery of molecular markers associated with genomic regions affecting plant growth habit.

[00518] Plant growth habit is an important feature of growth regions of the late maturity group. To identify genomic regions associated with the plant growth habit, three F3 populations are developed from the crossing of a late maturity group V (determined growth habit) with a late maturity group IV (indeterminate growth habit). Populations 4 to 6 are used to determine the association of genomic region 3 with the plant habit (table 6). Seven hundred and seventy-four soybean strains are classified with the markers associated with the genomic region 3. The three populations have largely segregated for maturity and are polymorphic in the genomic region 3. F3 seeds are obtained by selecting a seed

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98/114 per F ₂ plant (single-seed descendant). 5,984 F ₃ individuals from the three populations were phenotyped with the SNP NS0115535 (genomic region 3) and seeds with the same haplotypic marker are collected. F3 seeds are planted. A single marker, NS00115535, is determined to be the most predictive and able to separate varieties from determinant group V from indeterminate group IV and earlier varieties.

Example 5: genomic regions associated with growth habit and maturity regardless of yield [00519] Maturity and plant yield are closely associated in soy. A one-day increase in maturity can be equivalent to an increase of ~ 0.77 bag / ha in yield. The correlation of maturity and plant yield confuses the assessment of potential QTLs and candidate genes associated with yield. The identification of genomic regions associated with plant maturity allows breeders to genetically establish plant maturity in a soybean plant and elucidate traits associated with yield.

[00520] Three soybean populations are generated by crossing a maturity group 0 with a maturity group III or IV. Populations 7 to 9 are used (table 5). The progeny seed planted in Chile and the seeds then harvested from those progeny plants are selected in Chile and the plants are grown in Ontario in 2006. Eighty-four progenies are classified with markers associated with regions of maturity 1 and 2 and evaluated for days of maturity and yield (tables 10 to 12). Markers associated with regions 1 and 2 selected for maturity and are independent of yield. For example, Progeny 0430 has a significantly higher yield than Progeny 0083 (table 11). The highest yield of Progenie 0430 is not attributable to 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 108/152

99/114 due to differences in plant maturity due to similar days to maturity and allelic states of the genomic regions of maturity 1 and 2.

Table 10: summary of yield, maturity and allelic combination of regions of maturity 1 and 2.

Pedigree Progeny ID N ^o Best Est. Yield (health) ca / ha) Days of Maturity dade Allelic Combination Population 8 0117 34,023 (30.93) 5.50 1 Population 8 0140 32,098 (29.18) 6.50 1 Population 8 0234 36,124 (32.84) 6.50 1 Population 8 0043 38,137 (34.67) 6.50 1 Population 8 0267 40.48 (36.80) 7.00 1 Population 8 0276 44,737 (40.67) 7.50 1 Population 8 0243 47.168 (42.88) 9.50 1 Population 8 0198 43.516 (39.56) 10.50 1 Population 8 0325 36,762 (33.42) 11.00 1 Population 8 0011 43,912 (39.92) 11.50 1 Population 8 0390 45.342 (41.22) 11.50 1 Population 8 0418 48,455 (44.05) 11.50 1 Population 8 0119 45,782 (41.62) 9.50 2 Population 8 0069 41,448 (37.68) 10.00 2 Population 8 0274 42.79 (38.90) 10.00 2 Population 8 0165 47.333 (43.03) 10.00 2 Population 8 0219 43,637 939.67) 12.50 2 Population 8 0373 54.142 (49.22) 13.00 2 Population 8 0089 55,451 (50.41) 17.00 2 Population 8 0186 48,114 (43.74) 18.00 2 Population 8 0395 47.52 (43.20) 9.50 3 Population 8 0426 45.232 (41.12) 10.00 3 Population 8 0256 48,213 (43.83) 10.00 3 Population 8 0216 50,017 (45.47) 10.50 3

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Pedigree Progeny ID N ^o Best Est. Yield (bag / ha) Days of Combined Maturity Allelic tion dade Population 8 0367 52,734 (47.94) 11.50 3 Population 8 0266 47,146 (42.86) 14.00 3 Population 8 0285 46.244 (42.04) 16.00 3 Population 8 0277 55,517 (50.47) 16.00 3 Population 8 0188 50,182 (45.62) 17.50 3 Population 8 0143 48,917 (44.47) 13.50 4 Population 8 0101 45.342 (41.22) 14.50 4 Population 8 0366 45,969 (41.79) 16.50 4 Population 8 0340 52.151 (47.41) 11.50 7 Population 8 0359 50.71 (46.10) 14.50 7 Population 8 0184 50,864 (46.24) 14.50 7 Population 8 0158 47.388 (43.08) 16.00 7 Population 8 0401 56,045 (50.95) 16.00 7 Population 8 0255 51,986 (47.26) 17.00 7 Global Average 47,058 (42.78) 12.00 Not Checked Average 46.86 (42.60) 12.38 Average Checked 48,488 (44.08) 9.25 # Locs 3.3 (3) 2 # Reps 3.3 (3) 2 CV 10.9758 (9.978) 15,094 LSD (, 05) 7.6879 (6.989) 3,640 Statistics F 4.9775 (4.525) 7,670 P value 0.000 (0.000) 0.000 Repeatability 0.8591 (0.781) 0.870 Root MSE 4.6959 (4.269) 1.811

Table 11: summary of yield, maturity and the allelic combination of regions of maturity 1 and 2.

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Pedigree Progeny ID N ^o Best Est. Yield (health) ca / ha) Maturity dade (D) Allelic Combination Population 9 381 42,306 (38.46) 11.00 1 Population 9 473 44,979 (40.89) 12.50 1 Population 9 371 40,546 (36.86) 9.00 2 Population 9 380 35,046 (31.86) 10.00 2 Population 9 263 47.311 (43.01) 11.00 2 Population 9 396 42,867 (38.97) 12.00 2 Population 8 83 31,911 (29.01) 15.00 2 Population 8 430 46,915 (42.65) 15.00 2 Population 9 299 43.956 (39.96) 16.00 2 Population 8 76 47,245 (42.95) 22.00 2 Population 9 142 35,541 (32.31) 11.50 3 Population 9 487 30,646 (27.86) 14.00 3 Population 8 240 48,026 (43.66) 15.50 3 Population 9 317 51,414 (46.74) 16.50 3 Population 8 392 42.031 (38.21) 18.50 3 Population 9 206 50,347 (45.77) 19.00 3 Population 9 254 48,466 (44.06) 19.50 3 Population 8 280 53,042 (48.22) 26.50 3 Population 9 262 45,551 (41.41) 17.50 4 Population 9 173 47.487 (43.17) 23.50 4 Population 9 32 37,015 (33.65) 13.50 6 Population 9 166 44,792 (40.72) 11.50 7 Population 9 188 46.409 (42.19) 16.50 7 Population 9 117 52,778 (47.98) 19.00 7 Population 8 229 49,874 (45.34) 20.00 7 Population 9 437 47.575 (43.25) 20.50 7 Population 9 77 37,455 (34.05) 10.50 8

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Pedigree Progeny ID N ^o Best Est. Yield (bag / ha) Maturity dade (D) Allele Combination here Population 9 78 52,426 (47.66) 17.00 8 Population 9 187 40,898 (37.18) 27.00 8 Population 8 230 51,986 (47.26) 20.50 9 Population 9 368 51.139 (46.49) 21.50 9 Population 9 505 37,466 (34.06) 23.50 9 Global Average 43,956 (39.06) 15.69 Average No 16.57 each 44,418 (40.38) Average Checked 40,777 (37.07) 9.50 # Locs 3.3 (3) 2 #Reps 3.3 (3) 2 CV 16.9983 (15.453) 13.984 LSD (, 05) 11,1155 (10,105) 4,434 Statistics F 2.8006 (2.546) 10,862 P-value 0.000 (0.000) 0.000 Repeatability 0.6699 (0.609) 0.908 Root MSE 6.7936 (6.176) 2,194

Table 12: summary of yield, maturity and allelic combination of regions of maturity 1 and 2.

Pedigree Progeny ID N ^o Best Yield Estimate (bag / ha) Maturity y (D) Allelic Combination Population 7 0121 38,775 (35.25) 8.5 1 Population 7 0107 34,078 (30.98) 10.5 1 Population 7 0251 40.249 (36.59) 10.5 1 Population 7 0377 37,961 (34.51) 11 1 Population 7 0375 37,774 (34.34) 11.5 1 Population 7 0326 33.56914 (30.51) 13

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Pedigree Progeny ID N ^o Best Estimate Yield (yield / ha) Maturity y (D) Allelic Combination Population 7 0216 46,486 (42.26) 10.5 2 Population 7 0312 39,765 (36.25) 18 2 Population 7 0298 45.54 (41.40) 19 2 Population 7 0205 43.351 (39.41) 13 3 Population 7 0139 42,449 (38.59) 14.5 3 Population 7 0365 41,954 (38.14) 13 4 Population 7 0004 43.769 (39.79) 12.5 5 Population 7 0361 52.525 (47.75) ₀ 24 8 Global Average 43,307 (39.37) 12.55 Average Not Checked 41,569 (37.79) 13.57 Average Checked 48.51 (44.10) 9.50 # Locs 3.3 (3) 2 # Reps 3.3 (3) 2 CV 18169.8 (16,518) 11,343 LSD (, 05) 11823.9 (10,749) 2,979 Statistics F 3381.4 (3,074) 16,491 P value 0.0022 (0.002) 0.000 Repeatability 0.7425 (0.675) 0.939 Root MSE 7.1533 (6.503) 1,423

Example 6: use of molecular markers associated with plant maturity to select the geographic region to plant the seed.

[00521] Soy genotypes are grown in narrow latitude zones to optimize yield due to sensitivity to the photoperiod. Northern soybean varieties, in contrast to southern varieties, start flowering with longer days. Northern varieties planted south of their adaptation zone exhibit accelerated flowering, limited plant growth and reduced yield. VaPetition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 113/152

104/114 southern soybean crops planted north of their adaptation zone have delayed flowering with a potential for frost damage that can reduce yield. When the parents differ in plant maturity for more than 10 days, the progeny of the crossing secretes widely to plant maturity. Molecular markers associated with genomic regions of plant maturity allow breeders to breed parents who differ in maturity in another 10 days, select seed from the cross for cultivation in the appropriate maturity zone.

[00522] A BC ₂ F ₁ soybean population is generated by crossing MG III.5 with MG 000 and the seed is selected for the cultivation region of the appropriate maturity zone using the molecular markers associated with plant maturity. Ninety-three BC ₂ F ₁ plants are classified with 106 SNP markers to assess genetic similarity to recurrent parental MG III.5 (Table 13). In addition, the SNP markers included markers associated with genomic regions of maturity 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Each individual is heterozygous in at least one genomic region of maturity. Progeny: 0107 is heterozygous for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and can be used to select individuals of varieties adapted to each zone of the maturity group. Individuals selected to advance towards the next generation based on adaptation to specific regions of the maturity group using the allelic combination for regions of genomic maturity.

Table 13: summary of heterozygosity of genomic regions of maturity with the F2 generation of parental MG III.5 / (MG III.5 parental * 2 / MG 000 parental). Individuals in the population are selected for a geographic region of the maturity group with SNP markers associated with genomic regions of maturity.

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Plant Similarity to MGIII, 5 parental (%) Heterozygote for the maturation region 1 genomic capacity 5 2 3 4 Parental MG III.5 98.7 Parental MG 000 2.6 Progeny: 0050 86.2 x x x Progeny: 0107 85.8 x x Progeny: 0050 84.9 x x Progeny: 0093 84.9 x x Progeny: 0050 82.8 x x x x Progeny: 0096 82.8 x x Progeny: 0107 82.3 x Progeny: 0096 81.9 x x Progeny: 0107 81.5 x x x x x Progeny: 0066 60.8 x Progeny: 0096 84.1 x x x Progeny: 0093 82.8 x x Progeny: 0050 81.9 x x x Progeny: 0050 81.9 x x Progeny: 0096 81.0 x x x Progeny: 0046 80.6 x x x x Progeny: 0050 80.2 x x x Progeny: 0107 80.2 x x x Progeny: 0093 80.2 x x Progeny: 0096 80.2 x Progeny: 0093 79.7 x x Progeny: 0063 79.7 x x Progeny: 0093 79.3 x x x Progeny: 0096 78.9 x x Progeny: 0012 78.9 x x x Progeny: 0085 78.4 x x x Progeny: 0096 78.0 x

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Plant Similarity to MGIII, 5 parental (%) Heterozygote for the maturation region 1 genomic capacity 5 2 3 4 Progeny: 0107 77.6 x x Progeny: 0063 74.6 x x x Progeny: 0063 74.1 x x Progeny: 0012 61.2 x x x Progeny: 0036 61.2 x x x Progeny: 0012 61.2 x x Progeny: 0093 61.2 x x x x Progeny: 0012 61.2 x x x Progeny: 0050 61.2 x x Progeny: 0036 61.2 x x Progeny: 0063 61.2 x x x Progeny: 0050 61.2 x x Progeny: 0012 61.2 x x Progeny: 0107 61.2 x Progeny: 0012 61.2 x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x x x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x x x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x x x Progeny: 0050 60.8 x x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x x Progeny: 0036 60.8 x x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x Progeny: 0036 60.8 x x x Progeny: 0012 60.8 x x Progeny: 0012 60.3 x x Progeny: 0093 59.9 x x x x Progeny: 0096 59.9 x x x Progeny: 0012 59.9 x x

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Plant Similarity Heterozygote for the maturation region to MGIII, 5 genomic capacity parental (%) 1 2 3 4 5

Progeny: 0050 59.9 x x Progeny: 0085 59.9 x x Progeny: 0050 59.5 x x Progeny: 0096 59.5 x x x Progeny: 0036 59.5 x x x Progeny: 0096 59.5 x x x Progeny: 0063 59.5 x x Progeny: 0036 59.5 x x Progeny: 0096 59.5 x Progeny: 0093 58.6 x x x Progeny: 0050 58.6 x Progeny: 0050 58.6 x Progeny: 0093 58.6 x x x Progeny: 0093 58.2 x x Progeny: 0012 58.2 x x x Progeny: 0012 58.2 x x x Progeny: 0050 58.2 x x x Progeny: 0012 58.2 x x x Progeny: 0012 58.2 x x Progeny: 0143 58.2 x x Progeny: 0096 58.2 x x Progeny: 0050 58.2 x x Progeny: 0012 57.8 x x x Progeny: 0050 57.8 x x x Progeny: 0012 57.8 x x Progeny: 0093 57.8 x x Progeny: 0093 57.8 x Progeny: 0012 57.8 x x Progeny: 0012 57.8 x x

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Plant Similarity Heterozygous for the region of maturity MGIII, 5 parental genomic activity (%)

1 2 3 4 5 Progeny: 0012 57.8 x x Progeny: 0096 57.3 x x x Progeny: 0050 56.9 x x x Progeny: 0093 56.9 x x x Progeny: 0050 56.9 x x x Progeny: 0050 56.9 x x Progeny: 0050 56.9 x x Progeny: 0096 55.6 x x x x

Example 7: estimate of the effect of genomic regions associated with maturity.

[00523] Each allele of each genomic region of individual maturity is associated with a value that can increase or decrease the relative maturity of a given strain. The relative maturity of a given lineage is predicted by using an additive or epistatic model. The example in Table 14 demonstrates the prediction of relative maturity based on the allelic combination of the maturity genomic regions. The maturity group of a soybean seed is predicted by the composition of the alleles of the genomic region of maturity.

Table 14: an example of prediction of relative maturity based on the additive model.

Genomic maturity (Direction Days

10 10

5-5

3-3

2 2

6 6

4 4

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7 5 -5 Sum 9 Constant 3 Days of maturity 12 Maturity Group 1.2

Example 8: use of molecular markers associated with plant maturity to facilitate crosses with exotic germplasm. [00524] The genetic basis of cultivated soybeans is narrow compared to other fields of culture. Eighty to ninety percent of the cultivated soybean gene combination is followed by 12 vegetable introductions in the northern United States and seven vegetable introductions in the southern United States. Due to its narrow genetic base, soybeans are more likely to be impacted by disease and insect attacks. Exotic germplasm helps to extend the genetic basis of soy. In addition, exotic germplasm has key traits such as disease resistance, insect resistance, nematode resistance, and tolerance to environmental stress. At the moment, many exotic species are inaccessible in part due to limitations with crossing soybean plants of extremely different maturity groups. Traditionally, breeders must produce and maintain a large number of progeny plants for crosses between exotic and cultivated germplasms, in order for breeders to select a small number of soybean plants from the desired maturity group. It is often prohibitive to maintain the large number of plants needed.

[00525] Molecular markers associated with plant maturity facilitate the use of exotic germplasm. Breeders create crosses between exotic and cultivated germplasms. The progeny seed is analyzed for plant maturity without spending the necessary resources to plant and cultivate a large number of progenies.

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Example 9: use of molecular markers associated with plant maturity to facilitate introgression of a transgene.

[00526] After a transgene is introduced in one variety, it can be readily transferred to other varieties by crossing. Most of the development of crosses of soybean varieties is done between parents at 10 days of maturity each. When the parents differ in plant maturity for more than 10 days, the progeny of the crossing secretes largely to plant maturity. In order for breeders to obtain and select soybean plants from the desired maturity group, they must produce and maintain a large number of progeny plants, a practice that is prohibitive. If a transgene is present in a variety from the maturity group III needs to be transferred to the maturity group 0, a direct cross between a variety from the maturity group III and a variety from the maturity group 0 is not typically performed. Instead, the transgene is transferred through a series of intermediate crosses between nearby varieties at plant maturity. Molecular markers associated with genomic regions of plant maturity allow breeders to breed parents who differ at maturity more than 10 days, then select crossbreed seeds based on the presence of the transgene and the plant maturity phenotype.

Example 10: use of molecular markers associated with plant maturity to facilitate introgression of a trait.

[00527] If a variety has a desirable trait, it can be readily transferred to other varieties by crossing. Most crosses of soybean variety development are carried out between parents at 10 days of maturity each. When the parents differ in plant maturity for more than 10 days, the progeny of the crossing secretes largely to plant maturity. THE

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In order for breeders to obtain and select soybean plants from the desired maturity group, they must produce and maintain a large number of progeny plants, a practice which is prohibitive. If a trait is present in a variety from the maturity group III needs to be transferred to the maturity group 0, a direct cross between a variety from the maturity group III and a variety from the maturity group 0 is not typically performed. Instead, the trait is transferred through a series of intermediate crosses between nearby varieties at plant maturity. Molecular markers associated with genomic regions of plant maturity allow breeders to breed parents who differ at maturity more than 10 days, then select crossbreed seeds based on the presence of the trait and the plant maturity phenotype.

Example 11: use of molecular markers associated with plant maturity to select environments to optimize the expression of traits.

[00528] Soybeans grown in different environments often act differently. For example, a variety of soybeans can produce seeds with a certain fatty acid profile in one environment and a different fatty acid profile in another environment. Several environmental factors can influence the expression of traits, including soil type, soil conditions, temperature, photoperiod, geography and cultivation practices. Variation in genotype performance across different environments is often referred to as genotype x environment interactions.

[00529] The oil levels in the soybean seed are highly impacted by the environment. The oil concentration increases with the reduction of latitude, therefore, soybeans in 00-I maturity groups generally have lower oil levels than tar maturity soybeans 870170047791, from 07/07/2017, p. 121/152

112/114 days (figure 1). Molecular markers associated with plant maturity assist breeders in the selection of soybean genotypes and produce plants that are better adapted to a region of the maturity group to produce more oil.

[00530] The soybean fatty acid composition is highly impacted by the cultivation latitude. The present invention provides molecular markers associated with plant maturity that are useful to assist plant breeders in selecting favorable soybean maturity genotypes to optimize the expression of certain traits in specific geographies, such as fatty acid synthesis, where the trait is conventional or transgenic. As used in this application, conventional traits include those obtained by mutagenesis. For example, the fat profile of transgenic soybean plants designed to produce stearidonic acid (SDA) has a positive correlation with latitude for SDA production and has a negative correlation with latitude for the production of oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid (table 15). The percentage of SDA increases with increasing latitude (figures 2 and 3).

Table 15: correlation of longitude and latitude in fatty acids from mature soybean seed.

Fatty acid Latitude R value P N Longitude R value P N Stearidonic acid 0.6625 * 3.12E-10 71 -0.3748 0.001281263 71 G- acid linolenic 0.1097 0.362504877 71 -0.0798 0.508051934 71 Oleic acid -0.4081 * 0.000411819 71 0.167 0.16389379 71 Linoleic acid co -0.1581 0.187769857 71 0.0837 0.48752276 71 Acid a- linoleic -0.2403 * 0.043495686 71 0.1901 0.112261464 71

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Fatty acid R Latitude R Longitude P value N P value N Acid Pal- mythical -0.7305 * 4.82E-13 71 0.4592 5.62E-05 71 Stearic acid rich -0.258 * 0.029810388 71 -0.1498 0.212583113 71 [00531] Lal titude is closely re triggered with groups of

maturity and growing regions. Soybeans are classified in 13 groups of maturity (000, 00, 0, I to X) according to the range in the latitude in which the plants are adapted and more productive. Group 000 is of earlier maturity and cultivated at higher latitudes and Group X is later matured and cultivated at lower latitudes. Molecular markers associated with plant maturity will assist breeders in the selection of soybean genotypes that are adapted to known latitudes to be associated with the production of preferential SDA in plants. Therefore, soybean breeders more efficiently produce plants that are better adapted to the environment and produce higher levels of SDA or other similar traits.

[00532] It is within the scope of this invention to use the methods and compositions of integration of the preferred feature for any feature, conventional or transgenic, affected or influenced by latitude. It is contemplated by the inventors that the present invention is useful for integrating the trace of one or more phenotypic traits that are influenced by latitude such that the methods and compositions provided in this application will facilitate the implementation of one or more traits in the preferred germplasm based on maturity, in which the traits can be conventional or transgenic.

[00533] Having illustrated and described the principles of the present invention, it should be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention can be modified in the arrangement and detail without departing from such principles 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 123/152

114/114 pios. All modifications that are within the spirit, scope and concept of the added claims are claimed.

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Claims (22)

1. Method of establishing where a soybean or soybean plant should be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean or soybean plant, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed; B. to determine whether alleles in a locus in the maturity 1 genomic region are homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a first maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 1 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 centiMorgans ( cM) of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 155; ç. determine whether alleles at a locus in the maturity 2 genomic region are homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a second maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 2 genomic region, and said second maturity marker is located within 10 cM of SEQ ID NO: 156 to 161; d. determine whether alleles in a locus in the maturity 3 genomic region are homozygous or heterozygous by detecting through a test a third maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 3 genomic region, and said third maturity marker is located within 10 cM of SEQ ID NO: 162 to 174; and. determine the allelic combination of said alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1, 2 and 3 to determine the maturity date of said soybean plant or soybean seed; and f. assign a maturity group value for said soybean plant or soybean seed, in which said allelic combination is selected from the group consisting of the allelic combination 10, 11, 12, Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 125/152 2/10 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said determination whether the alleles in a locus are homozygous or heterozygous comprises detecting a polymorphism with a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of a nucleotide that is a T or G at position 884 of marker NS0124601 comprising SEQ ID NO: 143, a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 96 of the marker NS0103749 comprising SEQ ID NO: 144, a nucleotide that is a C or A at position 225 of the marker NS0096829 comprising SEQ ID NO: 145, a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 330 of the marker NS0099746 comprising SEQ ID NO: 146, a nucleotide that is a T or A at position 56 of the marker NS0123747 comprising SEQ ID NO: 147, a nucleotide that is a T or C at position 133 of the NS0125408 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 148, a nucleotide with an 11-base insert at position 212 of the NS0128378 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 149, a nucleotide which is a T or G on p position 108 of the NS0125390 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 150, a nucleotide that is a T or A at position 243 of the NS0093385 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 151, a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 325 of the NS0097798 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 152, a nucleotide that is a T or C at position 109 of the NS0093385 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 153, a nucleotide that is a G or C at position 242 of the NS0093976 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 154, Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 126/152 3/10 a nucleotide with a C inserted at position 383 of the NS0098982 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 155, a nucleotide that is a T or G at position 126 of the NS0123506 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 156, a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 420 of marker NS0097952 comprising SEQ ID NO: 157, a nucleotide that is a C or A at position 450 of marker NS0118907 comprising SEQ ID NO: 158, a nucleotide that is a T or C at position 104 of marker NS0122182 comprising SEQ ID NO: 159, a nucleotide that is a T or A at position 251 of the NS0126989 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 160, a nucleotide that is a T or C at position 202 of the NS0095677 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 161, a nucleotide with AG inserted at position 82 of the NS0098853 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 162, a nucleotide that is a T or C at position 190 of the NS0092561 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 163, a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 225 of the marker NS0093197 comprising SEQ ID NO: 164, a nucleotide which is a T or G at position 83 of marker NS0094891 comprising SEQ ID NO: 165, a nucleotide that is a C or A at position 471 of marker NS0096225 comprising SEQ ID NO: 166, a nucleotide that is a T or C at position 341 of the NS0103853 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 167, a nucleotide that is a G or C at position 685 of the NS0113929 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 168, a nucleotide that is a T or G at position 433 of the NS0115535 marker comprising SEQ ID NO : 169, Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 127/152 4/10 a nucleotide which is a T or C at position 512 of the NS0121511 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 170, a nucleotide which is a T or C at position 208 of the NS0136544 marker comprising SEQ ID NO: 171, a nucleotide which is a T or A at position 262 of marker NS0119569 comprising SEQ ID NO: 172, a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 530 of marker NS0123708 comprising SEQ ID NO: 173 and a nucleotide that is a G or A at position 331 of the marker NS0114317 comprising SEQ ID NO: 174. 3. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises the selection of multiple soybean seeds. 4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that said multiple soybean seeds become soybean plants that have the habit of the indeterminate soybean plant. 5. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said alleles in a locus in the genomic region of maturity 1, comprise a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: from 143 to 149, from 154 to 155. 6. Method for establishing where a soybean plant or soybean seed should be grown by determining the allelic combination of a soybean plant, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. obtaining DNA from a soybean plant or soybean seed; B. determine whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a first maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 1 genomic region, and the said first maturity marker 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 128/152 5/10 rity is located within 10 centiMorgans (cM) of SEQ ID NO: 143 to 155; ç. determine whether an allele in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting through a test a second maturity marker genetically linked to said genomic region of maturity 2, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 cM SEQ ID NO: 156 to 161; d. determining said allele combination of alleles in the genomic regions of maturity 1 and 2 to determine the maturity date of said soybean plant or soybean seed; and and. assign a maturity growth value to said soybean plant or soybean seed, in which said allelic combination is selected from the group consisting of allelic combination 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that said determination whether an allele is homozygous or heterozygous comprises the detection of a polymorphism selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: from 143 to 161. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that said soybean plant or soybean seed is obtained from a cross between a parental soybean plant of an early maturity group and a parental soybean plant of medium maturity. 9. Method according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said parental soybean plant of the early maturity group is between 00.0 and 1.0 and said parental soybean plant of medium maturity is between III.0 and IV, 9 . 10. Soy plant improvement method, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. analysis of a soybean plant for the presence of marker sequences selected from the group consisting of Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 129/152 6/10 SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213; and B. association of said soy plant with a maturity group. 11. Soybean plant breeding method, characterized by the fact that it comprises crossing a parental soybean plant having a desired trait with a second parental soybean plant, in which the said parental soybean plants differ in the maturity of the parental soybean plant. soy in more than 10 days, comprising The. crossing a parental soybean plant comprising a desired trait with a second parental soybean plant; B. obtain soybean seed progeny from said crossing; ç. classify a soybean seed progeny for said trait; d. classifying a soybean seed progeny to a desired maturity group using a marker selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 143 to SEQ ID NO: 213 to determine the desired geographic growth region; and and. select a progeny of the soybean seed containing the desired trait and maturity of the desired soybean plant. 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that said desired trait is transgenic. 13. Soy plant improvement method, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. cross at least two different parental soybean plants, where the parental soybean plants differ in maturity of the soybean plant in more than 10 days; B. obtain a progeny of the soybean seed from said crossing; ç. genotyping a soybean seed progeny of said rawPetition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 130/152 7/10 with a genetic marker; and d. select a soybean seed having a genotype for preferential maturity. 14. Method for selecting a soybean seed based on the habit of indeterminate or determined growth, characterized by the fact that it comprises determining whether the genomic region of maturity 3 is homozygous or heterozygous. 15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that said maturity of genomic region 3 is characterized by a G at position 433 in the marker of SEQ ID NO: 169. 16. Method of distribution of a soybean plant based on the maturity group, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. obtaining DNA from a soybean plant; B. determine whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a first maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 1 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 centiMorgans (cM) SEQ ID NO: 143 to 155; ç. determine whether an allele in the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a second maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 2 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 cM SEQ ID NO: 156 to 161; d. determining whether an allele in the maturity 3 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting through a test a third maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 3 genomic region, and said third maturity marker is located within 10 cM SEQ ID NO: 162 to 174; Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 131/152 8/10 and and. assign a maturity growth value to said soy plant; and f. transport said soy plant to a preferred geographical region. 17. Method for isolating soybean seeds of undetermined early maturity, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. obtaining DNA from said soybean seed using a non-destructive method; B. determine whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a first maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 1 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 centiMorgans (cM) SEQ ID NO: 143 to 155; and ç. determine whether an allele in the maturity 2 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a second maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 2 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 cM SEQ ID NO: 156 to 161. 18. Method for determining whether a soybean plant has a maturity group of 0.0 to III, 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. obtaining DNA from said soybean seed using a non-destructive method; B. determine whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a first maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 1 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 centiMorgans (cM) SEQ ID NO: Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 132/152 9/10 143 to 155; ç. determine whether an allele in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting through a test a second maturity marker genetically linked to said genomic region of maturity 2, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 cM SEQ ID NO: 156 to 161; and d. assign a maturity group value for said soy plant between 0.0 and III, 9. 19. Method according to claim 18, characterized by the fact that maturity in said soybean plant is reached at least 5 days before a soybean plant that is homozygous dominant in the genomic region of maturity 1, homozygous dominant in the genomic region maturity 2 and is grown under the same environmental conditions. 20. Method for determining whether the maturity of a soybean plant is in a maturity group from 00.0 to III, 0, characterized by the fact that it comprises The. determine whether an allele in the maturity 1 genomic region is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting, through an assay, a first maturity marker genetically linked to said maturity 1 genomic region, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 centiMorgans (cM) SEQ ID NO: 143 to 155; B. determine whether an allele in the genomic region of maturity 2 is homozygous or heterozygous by detecting through a test a second maturity marker genetically linked to said genomic region of maturity 2, and said first maturity marker is located within 10 cM SEQ ID NO: 156 to 161; and ç. assign a maturity group value for said soy plant between 00.0 and III, 0. Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 133/152 10/10 21. Method according to claim 20, characterized by the fact that it also comprises selection of a soybean seed that is homozygous recessive in the genomic region of maturity 1 and homozygous recessive in the genomic region of maturity 2 and has a maturity group between 0 , 5 and II, 0. 22. Method according to claim 20, characterized by the fact that it also comprises selection of a soybean seed that is homozygous recessive in the genomic region of maturity 1 and heterozygous dominant in the genomic region of maturity 2 and has a maturity group between 1 , 5 and II, 9. Petition 870170047791, of 07/07/2017, p. 134/152 1/3 OIL FOR MATURATION GROUPS IN COMMERCIAL VARIETIES